BANCROFT    LIBRARY 


MAJOR    GENERAL    SCOTT. 


THE 

MEXICAN 


HEROES: 

BEING   A   COMPLETE 

HISTORY  OF  THE  MEXICAN  WAR, 

EMBRACING  ALL  THE  OPERATIONS  UNDER 

GENERALS  TAYLOR  AND  SCOTT, 

WITH  A  BIOGRAPHY  OF  THE  OFFICERS. 

ALSO,    AN   ACCOUNT   OF   THE 

• 

CONQUEST  OF  CALIFORNIA  AND  NEW  MEXICO, 

UNDER 

GEN,  KEARNEY,  COLS,  DON1PHAN  AND  FREMONT, 

TOGETHER   WITH 

Numerous  Anecdotes  of  the  War,  and  Personal  Adventures 
of  the  Officers. 

ILLUSTRATED     WITH 
ACCURATE  PORTRAITS  AND  OTHER  BEAUTIFUL  ENGRAVINGS. 


PHILADELPHIA: 
LIPPINCOTT,    GRAM  BO    &    CO., 

SUCCESSORS    TO 

GRIGG,    ELLIOT    &    CO., 

No.  14,  NORTH  FOURTH  STREET. 
185(  . 


£+03 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1848,  by 
GRIGG,    ELLI  OT   &    CO. 

in  the  clerk's  office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the 
Eastern  District  of  Pennsylvania. 


STEREOTYPED  BY  J.  FAUAN. 
PKINTED  BY  T.  K.  AND  P.  G.  COLLINS. 

(2) 


PREFACE. 


IF  the  Hero  of  Buena  Vista  nobly  commenced 
the  present  war  with  Mexico,  the  Hero  of  Chip- 
pewa  has  not  less  nobly  completed  the  second 
Conquest  of  Mexico.  General  Scott  and  his  splendid 
army  have  "  won  golden  opinions  of  all  sorts  of 
men."  They  have  displayed  all  the  best  qualities 
of  commanders  and  soldiers.  They  have  carried 
on  sieges  and  captured  cities  which  were  considered 
impregnable,  with  a  force  apparently  hardly  adequate 
for  a  forlorn  hope.  They  have  fought  pitched 
battles  and  won  them,  opposing  fresh  recruits  to 
veteran  troops.  They  have  accomplished  marches 
over  routes  before  considered  utterly  impassible; 
captured  fortresses  bristling  with  cannon,  by  means 
of  the  rifle  and  bayonet;  and  planted  the  star- 
spangled  banner  upon  the  proud  "  Halls  of  Monte- 


zuma." 


(iii) 


IV  PREFACE. 

General  Taylor  and  his  noble  army  having  been 
instrumental  in  first  developing  these  facts  and  this 
principle,  during  the  present  war,  it  becomes  an  in 
teresting  matter  to  follow  out  all  their  splendid  actions 
in  detail,  and  to  learn  the  real  characters  of  the  actors 
themselves.  The  following  series  of  lives  has  been 
compiled  from  authentic  materials,  with  a  view  to 
satisfy  the  public  curiosity  on  this  important  subject. 
The  author  has  endeavoured  to  do  justice  to  the 
officers  and  men,  so  far  as  the  materials  at  his  com 
mand  enabled  him  to  accomplish  the  object ;  and  he 
trusts  that  any  errors  or  inadvertencies  which  may 
have  involuntarily  been  committed  by  him  in  so 
serious  an  undertaking,  may  have  the  reader's  candid 
indulgence. 

Philadelphia,  Jan.  1,  1848. 


CONTENTS. 
VOLUME  I. 

MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR Page    11 

MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH 90 

BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL 125 

MAJOR  RINGGOLD 174 

CAPTAIN  WALKER 179 

CAPTAIN  M'CULLOCH 196 

COLONEL  HAYS 206 

MAJOR  TWIGGS 212 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  MAY 217 

COLONEL  CROSS 222 

COLONEL  HARDIN 225 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  HENRY  CLAY 231 

COLONEL  YELL 233 

MAJOR  BROWN 235 

MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  O.  BUTLER 238 

LIEUTENANT  J.  E.  BLAKE 243 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  WATSON 245 

CAPTAIN  R.  A.  GILLESPIE 249 

CAPTAIN  RANDOLPH  RIDGELY 251 

1  •  A  2  (5) 


vi  CONTENTS. 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  BRAGG 253 

MAJOR  BLISS,  ASSISTANT  ADJUTANT-GENERAL 256 

MAJOR  EATON 256 

CAPTAIN  GARNETT 257 

COLONEL  BELKNAP 257 

COLONEL  MUNROE 258 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  MANSFIELD 258 

CAPTAIN  RAMSAY 259 

CAPTAIN  SHERMAN 259 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  WHITING 260 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  DUNCAN 261 

CAPTAIN  O'BRIEN 261 

COLONEL  CROGHAN 264 

CAPTAIN  LINCOLN 266 

MAJOR-GENERAL  GAINES 268 

COLONEL  JEFFERSON  DAVIS , 271 

CAPTAIN  HENRIE 273 

GENERAL  TAYLOR'S  RECEPTION  AT  NEW  ORLEANS.  275 


CONTENTS. 
VOLUME  II. 

MAJOR-GENERAL  SCOTT,  COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF  OF  THE  AME 
RICAN  ARMY Page    11 

MAJOR-GENERAL  PILLOW 78 

MAJOR-GENERAL  QUITMAN 85 

BRIGADIER-GENERAL  T  WIGGS 106 

GENERAL  SMITH 117 

BRIGADIER-GENERAL  SHIELDS 125 

BRIGADIER-GENERAL  LANE 129 

BRIGADIER-GENERAL  CADWALADER 136 

BRIGADIER-GENERAL  PIERCE 140 

MAJOR-GENERAL  PATTERSON 145 

COLONEL  HARNEY 149 

COLONEL  CHILDS 155 

GENERAL  GUSHING r. 159 

COLONEL  RILEY 160 

COLONEL  BUTLER 161 

MAJOR  VINTON 164 

CAPTAIN  THORNTON 171 

GENERAL  KEARNY , 174 

COLONEL  DONIPHAN 181 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  FREMONT 204 

BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JONES 215 

LIEUTENANT  CHRISTOPHER  CARSON..  .  219 


(5) 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


THE  early  history  of  a  man,  educated  amid  the  wilds  of  Ken 
tucky,  while  that  territory  was  yet  in  possession  of  the  Indians, 
must  necessarily  be  a  narrative  of  the  most  thrilling  interest.  The 
first  settlers  of  that  state  passed  through  trials  which  the  American 
of  a  more  modern  date  can  but  feebly  appreciate.  Swarming  with 
tribes  of  ladians,  hostile  to  the  Union  and  to  each  other,  scenes  were 
there  daily  enacted  of  the  most  appalling  character;  burnings, 
scalpings,  and  massacres,  were  of  nightly  occurrence ;  and  often  as 
the  disheartened  few  of  one  settlement  retired  from  daily  toil,  they 
beheld,  far  in  the  distance,  the  lurid  column  that  announced  the 
ruin  of  another. 

Unfortunately,  the  traditional  records  of  this  stirring  and  eventful 
period  have,  in  the  course  of  ages,  died  away ;  the  blasted  hopes, 
the  fierce  struggles,  and  tragic  fate,  of  the  early  settlers,  have  been 
buried  in  the  same  deep  grave  with  their  perpetrators.  The  Indian 
and  his  victim  have  not  only  ceased  to  strive,  but  have  Descended 
into  one  common  oblivion. 

For  this  reason,  the  most  rigid  investigation  has  failed  to  discover 
much  concerning  the  early  life  of  General  Taylor.  Even  the  year 
of  his  birth  has  been  a  matter  of  dispute.  His  father  was  Mr. 
Richard  Taylor,  of  whom  little  is  known,  except  that  he  was  born 
in  Virginia,  [March  22d,  1744,]  explored  Kentucky  when  a  young 
man,  was  a  colonel  in  the  Revolution,  and  had  five  sons  and  three 
daughters.  His  third  son,  Zachary  Taylor,  was  born  [November 
24th,  1784]  in  Orange  county.  In  the  following  summer,  Colonel 
Taylor  emigrated  to  Kentucky,  arriving  there  but  ten  years  after  the 
nrst  settlement,  and  within  a  short  time  after  his  brother  Hancock 
nad  been  murdered  by  the  Indians.  Here  he  founded  his  perma 
nent  abode,  and  here  the  subject  of  our  biography,  received  his 

A*  (11) 


12  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY   TAYLOR. 

boyish  impressions.  The  estate  was  in  Jefferson  county,  two  miles 
from  the  Ohio  river,  and  five  from  Lexington.  As  the  latter  in 
creased  in  size  and  population,  the  fortunes  and  importance  of 
Richard  Taylor  grew  with  it.  He  received  from  President  Wash 
ington  a  commission  as  collector  of  that  port,  and  was  honoured,  in 
many  ways,  by  the  neighbouring  settlers. 

Zachary  Taylor  was  early  placed  at  school,  under  the  direction 
of  Mr.  Elisha  Ayres,  of  Connecticut.  After  remaining  there  some 
years,  he  adopted  the  profession  of  his  father,  working  constantly  on 
the  estate,  and  laying  the  foundation  of  that  constitution,  which  has 
subsequently  borne  the  test  of  trying  duty,;rough  fare,  and  every 
variety  of  climate,  during  a  military  life  of  thirty-five  years.  While 
in  this  employment,  the  movements  of  Aaron  Burr  began  to  excite 
alarm,  and  Zachary  joined  a  'Volunteer  company,  of  his  native  state, 
raised  to  oppose  the  supposed  treasonable  designs  of  that  individual. 
When  the  excitement  had  subsided,  he  returned  to  the  cultivation 
of  the  farm,  in  which  occupation  he  continued  until  the  death  of  his 
brother,  Lieutenant  Taylor.  As  this  person  had  been  in  the  national 
service,  his  death  afforded  Zachary  an  opportunity  to  enter  the  army. 
Accordingly,  through  the  influence  of  friends,  among  whom  was 
Mr.  James  Madison,  he  received  a  commission  as  first  lieutenant  in 
the  7th  U.  S.  infantry  regiment,  May  3d,  1808.  ',^' 

Being  now  in  a  profession  which  suited  the  daring  aspirations  of 
his  genius,  Taylor  appears  to  have  conducted  himself  in  a  manner 
that  gave  high  hopes  of  a  future  brilliant  career.  He  assiduously 
studied  the  best  treatises  on  military  science  ;  and  during  the  whole 
of  our  dispute  with  the  European  powers,  previous  to  the  war  of 
1812,  he  watched  its  progress  with  intense  interest.  To  the  national 
difficulties  were  soon  added  others,  which  for  a  long  while  threat 
ened  nothing  less  than  the  complete  extirpation  of  all  the  western 
settlements.  These  were  the  league  of  the  border  Indians,  under 
Tecumseh  and  the  Prophet,  one  of  the  most  powerful  and  well  con 
certed  of  all  the  numerous  combinations  formed  by  the  savages 
against  the  United  States. 

At  this  time,  General  W.  H.  Harrison  was  governor  of  the  North 
western  Territory.  Having  received  orders  to  march  into  the 
Indian  country,  he  moved  rapidly,  with  a  small  army,  to  the 
stations  designated,  erecting  forts,  at  convenient  places,  on  his 
march.  One  of  these,  built  on  the  Wabash,  in  the  very  heart  of 


DEFENCE  OF  FORT  HARRISON.          13 

the  Indian  country,  was  provided  with  two  block-houses,  stockade 
works,  and  a  few  buildings  for  stores  or  magazines.  In  honour  of 
the  governor,  it  was  subsequently  called  Fort  Harrison.  Appa 
rently  insignificant  as  was  this  small  defence,  it  afterwards  laid  the 
foundation  of  General  Taylor's  military  reputation. 

In  1810,  Lieutenant  Taylor  married ;  but  was  not  permitted  to 
sit  down  in  the  enjoyment  of  domestic  felicity.  Hurried  away  in 
the  following  year  to  the  seat  of  contention,  he  left  his  young  wife 
and  child,  and  for  a  whole  year  was  prevented  from  seeing  them. 
For  a  long  while  no  tidings  were  heard  of  him  by  his  family  ;  and 
it  was  believed  that  he  had  fallen  a  victim  to  his  perilous  service. 
So  ably,  however,  did  he  acquit  himself,  that  in  the  beginning  of 
1812  he  was  rewarded  with  a  captain's  commission  from  President 
Madison.  Accompanying  the  commission  was  an  appointment  as 
commander  of  Fort  Harrison.  Very  soon  after,  Congress  declared 
war  against  Great  Britain ;  and  Taylor  was  thus  thrown  into  the 
front  of  hostile  operations. 

Captain  Taylor  had  not  been  long  in  his  new  station,  when  he 
perceived  unmistakable  signs,  that  his  every  energy  would  soon  be 
called  into  requisition  to  defend  it.  On  the  3d  of  September,  the 
report  of  fire-arms  was  heard  near  the  fort,  in  a  direction  where  two 
young  men  were  making  hay.  Next  day  their  bodies  were  found 
scalped  and  mangled,  a  circumstance  which  left  no  room  to  doubt 
that  an  attack  upon  the  fort  would  soon  be  made.  Accordingly, 
Captain  Taylor  increased  his  vigilance,  and  made  every  effort  for 
defence  compatible  with  his  limited  means.  Only  sixteen  men 
were  fit  for  duty,  while  more  than  thirty  were  disabled  by  sickness. 
He  himself  was  debilitated,  by  recent  fever,  brought  on  by  exces 
sive  fatigue.  Besides  these  discouraging  circumstances,  the  fort 
contained  several  women,  wives  of  the  soldiers,  who  would  be 
greatly  exposed  in  case  of  attack. 

On  the  evening  of  the  4th,  a  number  of  Indians  arrived  before 
the  enclosure,  begging  provisions,  and  requesting  admittance.  The 
commandant  gave  them  something  to  eat,  but  refused  to  open  the 
fort.  Suspecting  stratagem,  he  examined  all  the  arms,  served  six 
rounds  of  ammunition  to  each  man,  and  made  such  other  disposi 
tions  of  his  meagre  resources,  as  would  enable  him  to  guard  against 
surprise,  and  sustain  an  assault.,  His  force  was  so  small,  that  a 
sufficient  number  of  sentinels  could  not  be  posted  to  protect  the 


14  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY    TAYLOR. 

whole  extent  of  the  outworks,  so  that  the  officer  of  the  guard  was 
ordered  to  make  the  tour  of  the  inside  through  the  night. 

Overcome  by  fatigue,  the  Captain  now  retired  to  rest,  ordering 
his  soldiers  to  arouse  on  the  slightest  appearance  of  the  enemy. 
For  a  little  while  he  was  permitted  to  rest,  and  no  sound  interrupted 
the  death-like  stillness,  save  the  dull  tread  of  the  officer  on  guard. 
Suddenly,  about  midnight,  the  report  of  a  sentry-gun  broke  through 
the  air.  Taylor  sprang  from  his  couch,  and  rushed  into  the  fort. 
The  Indians  were  upon  them.  Scarcely  had  the  sentinels  time  to 
save  themselves,  when  a  cry  of  fire  rang  terribly  through  the  air, 
and  with  horror  the  Captain  saw  flames  leaping  out  from  his  lower 
block-house,  the  point  at  which  the  savages  were  attacking.  Now 
the  fearful  truth  flashed  over  his  mind  —  they  were  to  choose  be 
tween  the  fire  and  the  tomahawk.  Every  soldier  became  paralyzed ; 
some  dropped  their  arms,  others  hurried  to  and  fro  in  wild  disorder, 
others  wept  like  children.  The  women  ran  among  them  screaming 
for  help  ;  two  men  leaped  the  pickets  in  despair.  The  flames  com 
municated  with  some  whiskey,  shooting  up  in  blue  glaring  columns, 
sparkling  and  roaring  toward  heaven.  Lit  up  by  the  blaze,  the 
faces  of  the  savages  seemed  like  those  of  demons,  while  their  dim 
forms,  shrouded  in  fire  and  smoke,  lent  an  air  of  indescribable 
horror  to  all  the  scene.  The  fearful  darkness  increased  the  embar 
rassments  of  the  garrison,  since  they  knew  not  on  what  side  they 
might  receive  another  attack.  "The  raging  of  the  fire,"  says 
Taylor  himself — "the  yelling  and  howling  of  several  hundred  In 
dians — the  cries  of  nine  women  and  children,  and  a  desponding  of 
so  many  men — made  my  feelings  very  unpleasant." 

But  amid  all  this  clamour,  the  self-possession  of  the  young  com 
mandant  never  forsook  him.  Although  the  Indians  had  almost 
gained  the  fort,  and  utter  destruction  appeared  inevitable,  yet  still 
he  possessed  so  much  influence  over  the  men  as  to  restore  them  to 
order  and  duty.  "  I  saw,  [says  his  official  report,]  by  throwing  off" 
part  of  the  roof  that  joined  the  block-house  that  was  on  fire,  and 
keeping  the  end  perfectly  wet,  the  whole  row  of  buildings  might 
be  saved,  and  leave  only  an  entrance  of  eighteen  or  twenty  feet  for 
the  Indians  to  enter  after  the  house  was  consumed  ;  and  that  a  tem 
porary  breastwork  might  be  formed  to  prevent  their  entering  even 
there.  I  convinced  the  men  that  this  could  be  accomplished,  and 
it  appeared  to  inspire  them  with  new  life ;  and  never  did  men  act 


DEFENCE    OF   FORT   HARRISON.  15 

with  more  firmness  or  desperation.  Those  that  were  able  (while 
others  kept  up  a  constant  fire  from  the  upper  block-house  and  the 
two  bastions)  mounted  the  roofs  of  the  houses,  with  Dr.  Clark  at 
their  head,  under  a  shower  of  balls,  and  in  less  than  a  moment  threw 
off  as  much  of  the  ioof  as  was  necessary.  This  was  done  with  one 
man  killed,  and  two  wounded,  and  I  am  in  hopes  neither  of  them, 
dangerously.  Although  the  barracks  were  several  times  in  a  blaze, 
and  ajn  immense  quantity  of  fire  against  them,  the  men  used  such 
exertion  that  they  kept  it  under,  and  before  day  raised  a  temporary 
breastwork  as  high  as  a  man's  head.  Although  the  Indians  con 
tinued  to  pour  in  a  heavy  fire  of  ball,  and  an  innumerable  quantity 
of  arrows,  during  the  whole  time  the  attack  lasted,  in  every  part  of 
the  parade,  I  had  but  one  other  man  killed,  (nor  any  other  wounded 
inside  the  fort,)  and  he  lost  his  life  by  being  too  anxious.  He  got 
into  one  of  the  gullies  in  the  bastions,  and  fired  over  the  pickets,  arid 
called  out  to  his  comrades  that  he  had  killed  an  Indian.  Neglecting 
to  stoop  down  in  an  instant,  he  was  shot." 

The  battle  lasted  with  uninterrupted  fury  for  seven  hours.  The 
approach  of  daylight  enabled  the  Americans  to  take  sure  aim  at 
their  enemy,  who,  in  consequence,  began  to  suffer  severely.  About 
six  o'clock  the  assailants  retired  from  the  fort,  and  furious  from  their 
repulse,  shot  all  the  horses  and  hogs  within  reach,  and  drove  off  all 
the  cattle. 

About  an  hour  before  daylight  one  of  the  deserters  returned,  and 
begged  for  God's  sake  to  be  admitted.  His  voice  not  being  recog 
nized,  he  was  fired  upon ;  but  on  running  to  another  part  of  the 
fort,  he  made  himself  known  to  Dr.  Clark,  and  was  directed  to  lie 
quiet  until  morning.  When  admitted,  his  arm  was  found  broken 
in  a  shocking  manner,  and  he  'had  been  otherwise  maltreated  by  the 
savages.  His  companion  had  been  caught  and  hacked  to  pieces. 
The  Indians  suffered 'severely,  but  were  sufficiently  numerous  to 
carry  off  all  their  dead. 

The  noble  defence  of  Fort  Harrison  produced  the  most  beneficial 
effects  throughout  the  western  .country.  That  a  handful  of  men 
should  repulse  a  host  of  four  hundred  assailants,  astonished  and  dis 
comfited  the  savages,  and  materially  altered  their  views  and  plans, 
respecting  future  operations.  They  had  confidently  anticipated  fol 
lowing  up  the  destruction  of  the  fort,  by  an  attack  upon  all  the  other 
defences  of  the  Indiana  territory,  as  an  exec\4>n  of  part  of  the 


16  MAJOR-GENERAL    ZACHARY    TAYLOR. 

scheme  entertained  by  Tecumseh  and  his  brother.  Their  repulse 
disconcerted  this  great  design,  created  divisions  among  the  tribes, 
and  probably  saved  the  settlers  from  a  savage  and  exterminating 
warfare. 

Captain  Taylor  was  not  allowed  to  remain  unnoticed  by  govern 
ment.  On  his  return  from  an  expedition,  soon  after  the  4th  of  Sep 
tember,  he  received  a  package  from  government,  containing  official 
thanks  for  his  good  conduct  and  services,  together  with  a  commission 
as  brevet-major  in  the  United  States'  service.  • 

The  remainder  of  the  war  of  1812,  afforded  Major  Taylor  no  op 
portunity  for  a  further  display  of  his  talents  in  a  separate  command  ; 
and  all  that  is  known  of  his  public  service  between  that  and  the 
Florida  war,  may  be  summed  up  in  a  few  words.  When  peace 
returned,  he  was  unjustly  degraded  to  his  former  rank  of  captain ; 
and  feeling  the  injustice  of  such  a  proceeding,  he  threw  up  his  corn- 
mission  and  returned  to  the  bosom  of  his  family.  Here  he  would 
probably  have  remained,  enjoying  the  company  of  those  so  dear  to 
him,  had  not  his  numerous  friends  exerted  themselves  strenuously 
in  his  behalf.  Their  efforts  were  successful,  and  in  1816  he  was 
restored  by  President  Madison  to  his  former  rank.  Being  ordered 
to  Green  Bay,  he  remained  at  that  station  for  two  years  ;  after  which 
he  returned  to  his  family,  spent  a  year  with  it,  and  then  joined 
Colonel  Russell  at  New  Orleans.  Be  remained  in  the  south  for 
several  years,  during  which  time  he  performed  various  military 
duties,  and  built  Fort  Jesup.  In  1819  he  was  made  Lieutenant 
Colonel,  and,  in  1826,  appointed  a  member  of  a  Board  of  officers  of 
the  Army  and  Militia,  convened  by  Secretary  Barbour,  to  consider 
and  propose  a  system  for  the  organization  and  improvement  of  the 
militia  of  the  United  States.  Of  this  board,  General  Scott  was  pre 
sident.  Its  report  was  presented  to  Congress  by  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Taylor,  and  approved  by  that  body  ;  but  owing  to  various  causes,  a 
bill,  founded  upon  it,  was  allowed  to  remain  so  long  with  the  com 
mittee  on  militia,  as  to  be  finally  forgotten.  In  1832  he  was  pro 
moted  to  the  rank  of  Colonel.  Immediately  after,  he  was  employed 
in  the  expedition  against  Black  Hawk,  and  signalized  himself  by  his 
untiring  pursuit  of  the  enemy,  and  by  his  firmness  and  address  in 
compelling  the  volunteers  to  perform  their  duty.  He  was  then  en- 
.rusted  with  the  command  of  Fort  Crawford,  at  Prairie  du  Chien, 
where  he  remaia^  until  ordered  to  Florida. 

This  is  not  tho  place  to  inquire  into  the  causes  or  merits  of  the 


THE   WAR   IN    FLORIDA.  17 

Seminole  war  of  Florida.  It  owed  its  progress,  on  the  part  of  the 
Indians,  principally  to  the  efforts  of  Osceola,  a  chief  whose  influence 
was  sufficient  to  drive  the  Indians  through  every  danger  and  trial. 
Prior  to  the  appointment  of  Taylor,  [1837,]  the  breaking  up  of  the 
interior  settlements,  the  massacre  of  the  gallant  Dade,  and  the  unfor 
tunate  issue  of  every  exertion,  had  produced  a  powerful  effect 
throughout  the  country ;  so  that  at  his  arrival  near  the  seat  of  war, 
dismay,  anxiety,  and  consternation  pervaded  all  classes.  Men  ap 
peared  paralyzed,  and  gazed  around  for  some  influence  to  reassure 
them.  It  had  been  confidently  anticipated,  that  the  removal  of  the 
Serninoles  to  the  west  would  be  unattended  with  any  opposition ; 
and  the  waking  up  of  this  false  dream — the  baffling  of  military  sci 
ence  and  senatorial  wisdom — the  utter  defiance  of  disciplined  armies, 
occasioned  much  disappointment  and  surprise. 

To  act  promptly  and  successfully  in  such  intricate  perplexity, 
required  talents  of  no  ordinary  cast ;  and  Colonel  Taylor  felt  the 
full  responsibility  of  his  new  situation.  In  December  he  received 
orders  to  seek  the  enemy  in  every  quarter,  to  give  battle,  and  de 
stroy  or  capture  his  forces ;  and  in  conformity  thereto  he  left  Fort 
Gardner,  with  about  eleven  hundred  officers  and  men,  and  com 
menced  his  march  for  the  interior.  The  ground  over  which  he 
passed  presented  all  those  obstacles  which  had  baffled  so  many  for 
mer  expeditions.  A  wet  and  soft  soil,  matted  with  rank  herbage, 
which  clogged  the  feet  at  every  step,  serving  as  an  impenetrable 
screen  to  a  lurking  foe ;  the  deep  slimy  beds,  and  waters  of  the 
streams ;  the  dense  thickets  of  cypress,  palmetto,  and  the  luxuriant 
undergrowth;  —  these  were  some  of  the  enemies  to  be  vanquished 
before  the  army  could  reach  the  Indians.  As  the  latter  had  antici 
pated  his  approach,  and  were  perfectly  familiar  with  the  labyrinths 
and  natural  fastnesses  of  their  own  country,  they  had  retired  to  one 
of  the  strongest  and  most  inaccessible  places,  and  prepared  to  give 
him  battle. 

On  the  25th  of  December  they  reached  a  dense  swamp,  where 
the  enemy  were  reported  to  be  in  force.  Here  they  halted.  A  few 
steps  more  might  bring  them  within  range  of  a  hidden  foe ;  that 
foe  might  be  on  every  side ;  and  they,  about  to  share  the  fate  of 
Dade.  Yet,  led  on  by  Colonel  Taylor,  no  man  desponded.  The 
line  of  battle  was  formed,  and  those  brave  men  pushed  forward. 
To  charge  an  exposed  foe,  requires  coolness  a^  intrepidity ;  to 
2* 


18  MAJOR-GENERAL    ZACHARY   TAYLOR. 

charge  a  protected  fort  is  the  test  of  veteran  abilities ;  but  to  wade 
up  to  the  middle  in  a  swamp,  where  the  rank  grass  is  waving  over 
head,  and  an  unseen  enemy  on  every  side,  implies  a  degree  of  courage 
possessed  by  few.  Yet  this  duty  was  cheerfully  undertaken  by 
that  little  army.  Forgetting  all  danger,  only  eager  for  action,  the 
troops  hurried  forward  with  enthusiasm.  Having  proceeded  about 
a  quarter  of  a  mile,  they  entered  a  wide  slough,  which  seemed  to 
forbid  all  further  progress.  Abandoning  their  horses,  the  troops 
buried  themselves  to  the  neck  in  the  grass,  wading  through  a  four 
feet  depth  of  slime  and  water.  '"v fr 

Suddenly  the  rustling  of  grass  and  plash  of  water  were  drowned 
in  the  reports  of  hundreds  of  rifles.  The  savages  were  close  be 
fore  them,  having  reserved  their  fire  until  their  aim  would  be  cer 
tain.  There  was  a  pause,  a  shouting  of  orders,  and  then  the  men 
charged  fearlessly  on.  Then  another  volley,  and  one  officer  after 
another  sunk  down  pale  in  the  agonies  of  death.  All  around  was 
one  blaze  of  fire,  and  yet  no  foe  appeared.  Mowed  down  by  scores, 
their  intrepid  leaders  bleeding  on  every  side,  and  no  chance  of  re 
sisting,  the  front  line  faltered,  then  rolled  back  and  broke.  The 
Indians  poured  after  them,  yelling  the  war-whoop,  and  hurling  one 
discharge  after  another  on  the  fugitives,  until  they  met  the  regular 
troops.  Undismayed  by  aught  around,  these  heroic  men  were 
treading  on  as  coolly  as  though  on  parade.  Unflinchingly  their  bosoms 
met  the  blasting  discharges  of  the  savages,  and  sunk  amid  the 
tangled  grass,  dyeing  the  waving  blades  with  their  life-blood.  Havoc 
raged  among  the  6th  Infantry  to  such  a  degree,  that  the  dark  cool 
water  beneath  them  grew  warm  and  red  with  their  blood,  and  every 
man  of  the  foremost  ranks  was  shot  down.  Their  leader,  the  heroic 
Thompson,  while  shouting  them  on,  received  a  mortal  wound. 
Adjutant  Center,  Captain  Van  Swearinger,  and  Lieutenant  Brooke, 
found  graves  beside  him.  Of  five  companies  in  the  advance,  every 
inferior  officer  was  killed  or  disabled,  and  of  one,  only  four  men 
were  uninjured.  Still  the  battle  shout  went  up  echoing  and  break 
ing  among  those  romantic  glades  —  still  peal  after  peal  of  rattling 
musketry  hurled  forth  the  torrents  of  death — and  still  mangled  and 
groaning,  high  bosoms  sunk  among  the  sedgy  reeds,  while  the  life- 
blood  oozed  blacker  and  thicker  between  the  blades.  Amid  the 
horrors  of  that  awful  hour,  Taylor  was  rushing  from  rank  to  rank, 
exhorting  his  h^tes  to  the  charge,  and  thrilling  every  heart  with 


BATTLE   OF   OKEECHOBEE.  19 

enthusiasm.  Now  the  savages  broke  in  disorder ;  then  they  paused, 
rallied,  and  rolled  back  on  their  pursuers  with  a  fury  that  appeared 
irresistible.  Again  they  were  broken,  again  they  rallied,  till  the 
whole  swamp  seemed  to  boil  with  the  rapid  movements.  Onward, 
faster  and  firmer,  Taylor  led  his  shouting  heroes,  bearing  down  op 
posing  hosts,  and  sweeping  everything  before  them.  The  ground 
was  mashed  into  pools  beneath  their  feet,  and  the  foe  were  lying  in 
heaps  on  every  side. 

At  length  the  Indians  were  driven  from  their  position  to  their 
camp  on  the  borders  of  Lake  Okeechobee.  Here  their  flank  was 
turned  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Davenport,  and  immediately  after 
they  delivered  a  final  volley  and  fled.  The  pursuit  was  continued 
until  night. 

The  loss  of  the  Americans  in  this  battle  was  fourteen  officers  and 
one  hundred  and  twenty-four  men ;  that  of  the  Indians  was  not 
ascertained. 

To  the  same  master  spirit  that  gained  the  victory  at  Fort  Har 
risen,  was  the  nation  indebted  for  this,  the  most  glorious  one  obtained 
during  the  Florida  war.  His  perfect  control  over  the  affections  of 
his  soldiers,  together  with  his  conduct  during  the  battle,  secured  the 
victory ;  while  his  tenderness  and  humanity  to  the  wounded,  when 
the  excitement  of  passion  had  gone  by,  were  no  less  conspicuous. 
"As  soon  as  the  enemy  were  completely  broken,  [official  report  of 
Okeechobee,]  I  turned  my  attention  to  taking  care  of  the  wounded, 
to  facilitate  their  removal  to  my  baggage,  where  I  ordered  an  en 
campment  to  be  formed.  I  directed  Captain  Taylor  to  cross  over 
to  the  spot,  and  employ  every  individual  whom  he  might  find  there, 
in  constructing  a  small  footway  across  the  swamp.  This,  with  great 
exertions,  was  completed  in  a  short  time  after  dark,  when  all  the 
dead  and  wounded  were  carried  over  in  litters  made  for  the  purpose, 
with  one  exception,  a  private  of  the  4th  infantry,  who  was  killed 
and  could  not  be  found. 

"And  here  I  trust  I  may  be  permitted  to  say,  that  I  experienced 
one  of  the  most  trying  scenes  of  my  life,  and  he  who  could  have 
looked  on  it  with  indifference,  his  nerves  must  have  been  differently 
organized  from  my  own.  Besides  the  killed,  there  lay  one  hundred 
and  twelve  wounded  officers  and  soldiers,  who  had  accompanied  me 
one  hundred  and  forty-five  miles,  most  of  the  way  through  an  un 
explored  wilderness,  without  guides,  who  had  so  gallantly  beaten 


20  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY   TAYLOR. 

the  enemy  under  my  orders  in  his  strongest  position,  and  who  had 
to  be  conveyed  back,  through  swamps  and  hammocks,  from  whence 
we  set  out,  without  any  apparent  means  of  doing  so.  This  service, 
however,  was  encountered  and  overcome,  and  they  have  been  con 
veyed  thus  far,  and  proceeded  on  to  Tampa  Bay  on  rude  litters  con 
structed  with  the  knife  and  axe  alone,  with  poles  and  dry  hides — 
the  latter  being  found  in  great  abundance  at  the  encampment  of  the 
hostiles.  The  litters  were  carried  on  the  backs  of  our  weak  and 
tottering  horses,  aided  by  the  residue  of  the  command,  with  more 
ease  and  comfort  to  the  sufferers  than  I  could  have  supposed,  and 
with  as  much  as  they  could  have  been  in  ambulances  of  the  most 
improved  and  modern  construction." 

The  consequences  of  the  battle  of  Okeechobee  are  described  by 
the  Colonel  himself,  as  follows  ; 

"  This  column  in  six  weeks  penetrated  one  hundred  and  fifty 
miles  into  the  enemy's  country,  opened  roads,  and  constructed 
bridges  and  causeways,  when  necessary,  on  the  greater  portion  of 
the  route,  established  two  depots  and  the  necessary  defences  for  the 
same,  and  finally  overtook  and  beat  the  enemy  in  his  strongest  posi 
tion.  The  results  of  which  movement  and  battle  have  been,  the 
capture  of  thirty  of  the  hostiles,  the  coming  in  and  surrendering  of 
more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  Indians  and  negroes,  mostly  the 
former,  including  the  chiefs  On-la-too-gee,Tus-ta-nug-gee,  and  other 
principal  men,  the  capturing  and  driving  out  of  the  country  six 
hundred  head  of  cattle,  upwards  of  one  hundred  head  of  horses, 
besides  obtaining  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  country  through 
which  we  operated,  a  greater  portion  of  which  was  entirely  un 
known,  except  to  the  enemy." 

In  any  other  country  than  Florida  the  battle  of  Okeechobee  would 
have  terminated  the  war.  But  the  nature  of  the  soil  prevented  the 
transportation  of  the  necessary  supplies  to  an  army,  and  the  enemy 
were  consequently  enabled  to  recover  from  the  heavy  blow  and 
again  muster  their  strength  further  into  the  interior.  Still  this  did 
not  lessen  the  merit  of  Taylor  and  his  brave  associates,  nor  prevent 
the  due  meed  of  praise  bestowed  upon  them  by  a  grateful  country. 
The  thanks  of  the  President  were  tendered  to  them  through  the 
Secretary  of  War,  and  soon  after  Taylor  was  promoted  to  the  rank 
of  brevet  brigadier-general.  In  the  April  following,  he  was  en 
trusted  with  the  chief  command  in  Florida,  General  Jesup  having 


TAYLOR  TRANSFERRED  TO  THE  RIO  GRANDE.   21 

been  permitted  to  resign.  He  was  instructed  as  before,  to  bring  on 
a  general  action,  and  in  carrying  out  his  instructions  had  several 
skirmishes  with  the  Indians,  in  which  small  parties  were  captured 
or  voluntarily  surrendered.  But  they  could  never  again  be  brought 
to  a  general  action,  and  were  always  ready,  after  every  short  season 
of  repose,  to  renew  against  the  defenceless  inhabitants  of  the  fron 
tier  the  acts  of  barbarity  which  had  marked  their  first  hostilities. 
As  the  war  proceeded,  savage  cruelty  increased.  The  infant  was 
murdered  with  its  mother  as  it  hung  upon  her  breast.  Fathers 
were  shot  in  the  presence  of  their  families,  and  parents  and  children 
were  surprised  in  sleep  from  which  they  never  awoke.  The  stealthy 
red  man  would  break  upon  the  weary  labourer,  bury  the  hatchet 
in  his  brain,  fire  his  cottage,  and  depart  for  ever ;  while  all  night 
that  flame  would  toss  and  burn  and  glare  among  the  wild  evergreens, 
furnishing  a  picture  as  of  wild  fairy  land. 

Night  after  night,  through  the  stillness  of  nature,  General  Taylor 
was  forced  to  gaze  upon  these  scenes  with  the  bitter  reflection  that 
he  could  do  nothing  to  prevent  them  —  that  although  the  wretched 
victims  were  shrieking  and  screaming  for  help,  he  could  afford  none. 

In  1840,  General  Taylor  requested  permission  to  retire  from 
Florida,  and  was  succeeded  by  General  Armistead.  His  resigna 
tion  was  not  the  introduction  to  tranquil  felicity  in  the  bosom  of  his 
family.  His  merits  had  become  known  and  were  appreciated  by 
government,  so  that  he  was  immediately  appointed  to  the  command 
of  the  first  military  department  in  the  south-west,  comprehending 
the  states  of  Alabama,  Arkansas,  Mississippi,  and  Louisiana.  His 
head-quarters  were  at  Fort  Jesup,  from  which  he  was  subsequently 
ordered  to  Fort  Gibson  to  relieve  General  Arbuckle.  Here  he  re 
mained  until  the  commencement  of  the  present  Mexican  war. 

In  May  1845,  the  general  received  a  confidential  letter  from  the 
Secretary  of  War,  instructing  him  to  place  his  troops  at  such  a  posi 
tion  as  would  enable  him  to  defend  the  Territory  of  Texas  in  case 
of  invasion  from  Mexico.  This  was  immediately  after  the  passage 
in  our  Congress  of  the  act  constituting  the  former  country  a  part  of 
the  United  States  —  an  act  resented  by  Mexico  not  only  as  a  viola 
tion  of  the  law  of  nations,  but  as  projected  for  the  sole  purpose  of 
depriving  her  of  a  large  portion  of  her  dominion.  A  subsequent 
letter  from  the  war  department  contained  the  following  additional 
instructions : 


22  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY    TAYLOR. 

"  Should  Mexico  assemble  a  large  body  of  troops  on  the  Rio 
Grande,  and  cross  it  with  a  considerable  force,  such  a  movement 
must  be  regarded  as  an  invasion  of  the  United  States  and  the  com 
mencement  of  hostilities.  You  will  of  course  use  all  the  authority 
which  has  been  or  may  be  given  you  to  meet  such  a  state  of  things. 
Texas  must  be  protected  from  hostile  invasion,  and  for  that  purpose 
you  will  of  course  employ,  to  the  utmost  extent,  all  the  means  you 
possess  or  can  command." 

Agreeably  to  these  instructions  General  Taylor  took  a  position  at 
Corpus  Christi,  where  he  remained  until  March  8th,  1846,  when  the 
advance  of  the  army  commenced  its  march  for  the  Rio  Grande.  On 
the  three  ensuing  days  the  brigades  of  infantry  followed.  The 
siege  train  and  a  field  battery  were  sent  by  water  to  Point  Isabel, 
with  a  corps  of  engineers  and  the  officers  of  ordnance  under  the 
command  of  Major  Monroe.  At  the  Arroya  Colorado,  the  troops 
encountered  a  body  of  Mexicans,  who  seemed  disposed  to  dispute 
their  passage.  This,  however,  was  not  attempted,  and  the  Ameri 
cans  pushed  forward  until  met  by  a  deputation  from  Point  Isabel, 
protesting  against  their  march.  The  result  of  the  conference,  to 
gether  with  the  capture  of  Point  Isabel,  are  thus  described  by  Ge 
neral  Taylor : 

"  Our  column  was  approached  by  a  party  on  its  right  flank,  bear 
ing  a  white  flag.  It  proved  to  be  a  civil  deputation  from  Matamoras, 
desiring  an  interview  with  me.  I  informed  them  that  I  would  halt 
at  the  first  suitable  place  on  the  road,  and  afford  them  the  desired 
interview.  It  was,  however,  found  necessary,  for  the  want  of  water, 
to  continue  the  route  to  this  place.  The  deputation  halted,  while 
yet  some  miles  from  Point  Isabel,  declining  to  come  further,  and 
sent  me  a  formal  protest  of  the  prefect  of  the  northern  district  of 
Tamaulipas  against  our  occupation  of  the  country. 

"At  this  moment  it  was  discovered  that  the  buildings  at  Point 
Isabel  were  in  flames.  I  then  informed  the  bearer  of  the  protest, 
that  I  should  answer  it  when  opposite  Matamoras,  and  dismissed  the 
deputation.  I  considered  the  conflagration  before  my  eyes  as  a  de 
cided  evidence  of  hostility,  and  was  not  willing  to  be  trifled  with 
nny  longer,  particularly  as  I  had  reason  to  believe  that  the  prefect, 
in  making  this  protest,  was  but  a  tool  of  the  military  authorities  at 
Matamoras. 

"  The  advance  of  the  cavalry  fortunately  arrived  here  in  season  to 


AMPUDIA'S  LETTER.  23 

arrest  the  fire,  which  consumed  but  three  or  four  houses.  The  port 
captain  who  committed  the  act,  under  the  orders  it  is  said  of  Gene 
ral  Mejia,  had  made  his  escape  before  its  arrival.  We  found  two 
or  three  inoffensive  Mexicans  here,  the  rest  having  left  for  Mata- 
moras." 

Without  receiving  further  interruption,  the  army  pursued  its 
march,  and  on  the  28th  of  March  planted  the  national  flag  on  the 
banks  of  the  Rio  Grande,  opposite  Matamoras.  Fortifications  were 
immediately  commenced,  and  soon  a  fort  was  erected,  furnished  with 
six  bastions,  and  capable  of  containing  two  thousand  men.  On  the 
other  side,  the  Mexicans  also  commenced  batteries  and  redoubts, 
both  parties  assuming  the  attitude  of  belligerents. 

CTn  the  10th  of  April,  the  first  American  blood  was  shed  by 
Mexican  hostility.  The  victim  was  Colonel  Cross,  deputy  quarter 
master  general.  According  to  custom,  he  rode  out  in  the  morning 
to  take  exercise,  and  appears  to  have  been  attacked  by  some  law 
less  rancheroes,  murdered  and  stripped.  His  body  was  not  re 
covered  until  the  20th,  when  it  was  honoured  by  a  funeral  becoming 
the  colonel's  rank  and  character. 

In  the  early  part  of  the  month  an  ingenious  attempt  was  made 
by  the  Mexican  general  Ampudia,  to  cause  desertion  among  the 
foreign-born  members  of  our  army,  by  means  of  an  exciting  pam 
phlet  circulated  among  them.  Some  desertions  took  place,  but  in. 
general  the  appeal  was  treated  with  scorn  and  indignation,  as  every 
such  attempt  deserves  to  be  treated. 

General  Ampudia  arrived  in  Matamoras  on  the  llth,  and  accord 
ing  to  expectation,  entered  at  once  upon  active  measures  for  the  ex 
pulsion  of  the  American  army  from  Texas.  His  letter  of  April 
12th,  concludes  in  the  following  strain : 

"  By  explicit  and  definite  orders  of  my  government,  which  neither 
can,  will,  nor  should  receive  new  outrages,  I  require  you  in  all  form, 
and  at  latest  in  the  peremptory  term  of  twenty-four  hours,  to  break 
up  your  camp,  and  retire  to  the  other  bank  of  the  Neuces  river, 
while  our  governments  are  regulating  the  pending  question  in  rela 
tion  to  Texas.  If  you  insist  on  remaining  upon  .he  soil  of  the 
department  of  Tamaulipas,  it  will  clearly  result  that  arms  and  arms 
alone  must  decide  the  question ;  and  in  that  case  I  advise  you  that 
we  accept  the  war  to  which,  with  so  much  injustice  on  your  part, 
you  provoke  us ;  and  that,  on  our  part,  this  war  shall  be  conducted 


24  MAJOR-GENERAL    ZACHARY   TAYLOR. 

conformably  to  the  principles  established  by  the  most  civilized  na 
tions —  trusting  that  on  your  part  the  same  will  be  observed." 

In  reply  to  this  letter  General  Taylor  reminded  Ampudia  that  he 
was  acting  under  superior  instructions,  and  consequently  could  not 
recede  from  the  position.  The  fortifications  were  continued  and 
every  precaution  made  to  guard  against  surprise,  and  to  resist  an 
attack.  Soon  after,  two  ships,  with  supplies  for  the  Mexican  army, 
were  forbid  entering  the  river,  and  the  Rio  Grande  declared  in  a 
state  of  blockade. 

Taylor's  letter  on  this  occasion  is  characteristic.     It  is  as  follows  : 

HEAD-QUARTERS  ARMT  OF  OCCUPATION,  ? 
Camp  near  Matamoras,  Texas,  April  22,  1846.       5 

SIR  :  I  have  had  the  honour  to  receive  your  communication  of 
this  date,  in  which  you  complain  of  certain  measures  adopted  by 
my  orders  to  close  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Bravo  against  vessels  bound 
to  Matamoras,  and  in  which  you  also  advert  to  the  case  of  two 
Mexicans  supposed  to  be  detained  as  prisoners  in  this  camp. 

After  all  that  has  passed  since  the  American  army  first  approached 
the  Rio  Bravo,  I  am  certainly  surprised  that  you  should  complain 
of  a  measure  which  is  no  other  than  a  natural  result  of  the  state 
of  war  so  much  insisted  upon  by  the  Mexican  authorities  as  actu 
ally  existing  at  this  time.  You  will  excuse  me  for  recalling  a  few 
circumstances  to  show  that  this  state  of  war  has  not  been  sought  by 
the  American  army,  but  has  been  forced  upon  it,  and  that  the  exer 
cise  of  the  rights  incident  to  such  a  state  cannot  be  made  a  subject 
of  complaint. 

On  breaking  up  my  camp  at  Corpus  Christi,  and  moving  forward 
with  the  army  under  my  orders  to  occupy  the  left  bank  of  the  Rio 
Bravo,  it  was  my  earnest  desire  to  execute  my  instructions  in  a 
pacific  manner ;  to  observe  the  utmost  regard  for  the  personal  rights 
of  all  citizens  residing  on  the  left  bank  of  the  river,  and  to  take 
care  that  the  religion  and  customs  of  the  people  should  suffer  no 
violation.  With  this  view,  and  to  quiet  the  minds  of  the  inhabit 
ants,  I  issued  orders  to  the  army,  enjoining  a  strict  observance  of 
the  rights  and  interests  of  all  Mexicans  residing  on  the  river,  and 
caused  said  orders  to  be  translated  into  Spanish,  and  circulated  in 
the  several  towns  on  the  Bravo.  These  orders  announced  the 
spirit  in  which  we  proposed  to  occupy  the  country,  and  I  am  proud 
to  say  that  up  to  this  moment  the  same  spirit  has  controlled  the  ope 
rations  of  the  army.  On  reaching  the  Arroyo  Colorado  I  was  in- 


TAYLOR'S  LETTER  TO  AMPUDIA.  25 

formed  by  a  Mexican  officer  that  the  order  in  question  had  been 
received  in  Matamoras ;  but  was  told  at  the  same  time  that  if  I 
attempted  to  cross  the  river  it  would  be  regarded  as  a  declaration  of 
war.  Again,  on  my  march  to.Frontone  I  was  met  by  a  deputation 
of  the  civil  authorities  of  Matamoras,  protesting  against  my  occu 
pation  of  a  portion  of  the  department  of  Tamaulipas,  and  declaring 
that  if  the  army  was  not  at  once  withdrawn,  war  would  result. 
While  this  communication  was  in  my  hands,  it  was  discovered  that 
the  village  of  Frontone  had  been  set  on  fire  and  abandoned.  I 
viewed  this  as  a  direct  act  of  war,  and  informed  the  deputation  that 
their  communication  would  be  answered  by  me  when  opposite 
Matamoras,  which  was  done  in  respectful  terms.  Oft  reaching  the 
river  I  despatched  an  officer,  high  in  rank,  to  convey  to  the  com 
manding  general  in  Matamoras  the  expression  of  my  desire  for 
amicable  relations,  and  my  willingness  to  leave  open  to  the  use  of 
the  citizens  of  Matamoras  the  port  of  Brazos  Santiago  until  the 
question  of  boundary  should  be  definitively  settled.  This  officer 
received  for  reply,  from  the  officer  selected  to  confer  with  him,  that 
my  advance  to  the  Rio  Bravo  was  considered  as  a  veritable  act  of 
war,  and  he  was  absolutely  refused  an  interview  with  the  American 
consul,  in  itself  an  act  incompatible  with  a  state  of  peace. 

Notwithstanding  these  repeated  assurances  on  the  part  of  the 
Mexican  authorities,  and  notwithstanding  the  most  obviously  hostile 
preparations  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river,  accompanied  by  a  rigid 
non-intercourse,  I  carefully  abstained  from  any  act  of  hostility — de 
termined  that  the  onus  of  producing  an  actual  state  of  hostilities 
should  not  rest  with  me.  Our  relations  remained  in  this  state  until 
I  had  the  honour  to  receive  your  note  of  the  12th  instant,  in  which 
you  denounce  war  as  the  alternative  of  my  remaining  in  this  posi 
tion.  As  I  could  not,  under  my  instructions,  recede  from  my  posi 
tion,  I  accepted  the  alternative  you  offered  me,  and  made  all  my 
dispositions  to  meet  it  suitably.  But,  still  willing  to  adopt  milder 
measures  before  proceeding  to  others,  I  contented  myself  in  the 
first  instance  with  ordering  a  blockade  of  the  mouth  of  the  Rio 
Bravo  by  the  naval  forces  under  my  orders — a  proceeding  perfectly 
consonant  with  the  stale  of  war  so  often  declared  to  exist,  and  which 
you  acknowledge  in  your  note  of  the  16th  instant,  relative  to  the 
kte  Colonel  Cross.  If  this  measure  seem  oppressive,  I  wish  ]t 
borne  in  mind  that  it  has  been  forced  upon  me  by  the  course  yo* 
3 


26  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY   TAYLOR. 

have  seen  fit  to  adopt.  I  have  reported  this  blockade  to  my  govern 
ment,  and  shall  not  remove  it  until  I  receive  instructions  to  that 
effect,  unless  indeed  you  desire  an  armistice  pending  the  final  set 
tlement  of  the  question  between  the  governments,  or  until  war  shall 
be  formally  declared  by  either,  in  which  case  I  shall  cheerfully 
open  the  river.  In  regard  to  the  consequences  you  mention  as  re 
sulting  from  a  refusal  to  remove  the  blockade,  I  beg  you  to  under 
stand  that  I  am  prepared  for  them,  be  they  what  they  may. 

In  regard  to  the  particular  vessels  referred  to  in  your  communi 
cation,  I  have  the  honour  to  advise  you  that,  in  pursuance  of  my 
orders,  two  American  schooners,  bound  for  Matamoras,  were  warned 
off  on  the  17th  instant,  when  near  the  mouth  of  the  river,  and  put 
to  sea,  returning  probably  to  New  Orleans.  They  were  not  seized, 
or  their  cargoes  disturbed  in  any  way,  nor  have  they  been  in  the 
harbour  of  Brazos  Santiago  to  my  knowledge.  A  Mexican 
schooner,  understood  to  be  the  "  Juniata,"  was  in  or  off  that  harbour 
when  my  instructions  to  block  the  river  were  issued,  but  was  driven 
to  sea  in  a  gale,  since  which  time  I  have  had  no  report  concerning 
her.  Since  the  receipt  of  your  communication,  I  have  learned  that 
two  persons,  sent  to  the  mouth  of  the  river  to  procure  information 
respecting  this  vessel,  proceeded  thence  to  Brazos  Santiago,  when 
they  were  taken  up  and  detained  by  the  officer  in  command,  until 
my  orders  could  be  received.  I  shall  order  their  immediate  release. 
A  letter  from  one  of  them  to  the  Spanish  vice-consul  is  respectfully 
transmitted  herewith. 

In  relation  to  the  Mexicans  said  to  have  drifted  down  the  river  in 
a  boat,  and  to  be  prisoners  at  this  time  in  my  camp,  I  have  the 
pleasure  to  inform  you  that  no  such  persons  have  been  taken  pri 
soners  or  are  now  detained  by  my  authority.  The  boat  in  question 
was  carried  down  empty  by  the  current  of  the  river,  and  drifted 
ashore  near  one  of  our  pickets  and  was  secured  by  the  guard. 
Some  time  afterwards  an  attempt  was  made  to  recover  the  boat 
under  the  cover  of  the  darkness ;  the  individuals  concerned  were 
hailed  by  the  guard,  and,  failing  to  answer,  were  fired  upon  as  a 
matter  of  course.  What  became  of  them  is  not  known,  as  no  trace 
of  them  could  be  discovered  on  the  following  morning.  The  officer 
of  the  Mexican  guard  directly  opposite  was  informed  next  day  that 
the  boat  would  be  returned  on  proper  application  to  me,  and  I  have 
now  only  to  repeat  that  assurance. 

In  conclusion,  I  take  leave  to  state  that  I  consider  the  tone  of 


ATTACK  ON  CAPTAIN  THORNTON.        27 

your  communication  highly  exceptionable,  where  you  stigmatize 
the  movement  of  the  army  under  my  orders  as  "  marked  with  the 
seal  of  universal  reprobation."  You  must  be  aware  that  such 
language  is  not  respectful  in  itself,  either  to  me  or  my  government ; 
and  while  I  observe  in  my  own  correspondence  the  courtesy  due  to 
your  high  position,  and  to  the  magnitude  of  the  interests  with  which 
we  are  respectively  charged,  I  shall  expect  the  same  in  return. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Z.  TAYLOR, 
Brevet  Brig.  Gen.  U.  S.  «/?.,  Commanding. 

Sr.  Gen.  D.  PEDIK}  BE  AMPUDIA,  Commanding  in  Matamoras. 

About  the  20th  of  the  month,  all  intercourse  between  the  forces 
was  closed,  and  reports  of  the  most  alarming  nature  reached  the 
American  camp.  These  were,  that  the  Mexicans  were  crossing  the 
river  to  the  number  of  three  thousand,  and  spreading  themselves 
between  General  Taylor's  position  and  Point  Isabel,  his  principal 
depot.  The  alternative  was  now  presented  of  being  cooped  up 
with  a  scarcity  of  provisions,  or  of  being  obliged  to  cut  his  way 
through  overwhelming  numbers  to  Point  Isabel.  In  order,  however, 
to  be  assured  of  the  information  on  which  he  was  acting,  he  deter 
mined  to  detach  parties  above  and  below  the  fort,  for  the  purpose 
of  discovering  the  position  and  designs  of  the  enemy.  The  fate  of 
one  of  these  parties  deserves  notice.  It  consisted  of  about  sixty  men 
under  the  command  of  Captain  Thornton.  They  proceeded  up  the 
river  for  about  twenty-five  miles,  when  the  Mexican  guide  halted, 
affirming  that  a  large  party  of  the  enemy  were  in  advance,  and  that 
he  would  proceed  no  further.  Disbelieving  this  statement,  the 
captain  again  moved  forward  until  he  reached  a  farm-house,  the 
garden  of  which  was  surrounded  by  a  chapparal  hedge.  After  en 
tering  the  enclosure,  he  left  his  men  near  the  entrance,  and  rode 
forward  with  a  few  attendants  to  speak  with  the  inmates.  In  this 
divided  state  of  his  little  command,  he  suddenly  perceived  the 
chapparal  was  swarming  with  armed  Mexicans,  who,  in  a  few 
moments,  were  pouring  forth  volleys  of  musketry.  Shouting  to  his 
men  to  charge  the  chapparal,  he  dashed  forward,  reined  his  horse 
for  a  moment,  and  then  sprung  completely  over  the  hedge.  In  the 
act  of  leaping,  his  horse  received  a  musket-ball,  but  he  succeeded 
in  penetrating  the  enemy's  line,  and  got  out  of  sight.  In  passing 
some  rocks  his  horse  fell,  carrying  him  along  with  it,  alter  which 


28  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY   TAYLOR. 

he  continued  his  escape  on  foot.   He  was  finally  captured,  however, 
and  carried  into  Matamoras,  his  party  sharing  the  same  fate. 

After  this  affair,  the  Mexicans  crossed  the  river  in  great  numbers, 
cutting  off  the  intercourse  between  the  two  American  stations,  and 
gradually  surrounding  the  river  fort.  For  three  days  its  little  gar 
rison  were  in  a  condition  of  gloom  and  racking  suspense,  more  ter 
rible  than  the  most  fearful  reality.  Then  Captain  Walker  of  the 
Texan  Rangers  arrived,  with  the  cheering  intelligence  that  all  was 
still  safe  at  Point  Isabel.  Yet  the  danger  which  menaced  that 
place,  was  too  imminent  to  admit  delay  in  relieving  it;  and  Taylor, 
therefore,  resolved  on  marching  there  immediately  with  his  whole 
force,  except  a  small  garrison  sufficient  to  defend  the  river  fort. 

On  the  1st  of  May,  1846,  General  Taylor  left  the  Rio  Grande, 
and  marched  for  Point  Isabel.  His  "  retreat"  was  hailed  in  Mata 
moras  by  the  ringing  of  bells,  explosion  of  fire-arms,  and  every 
other  manifestation  of  joy.  General  Arista,  the  commandant  in  the 
city,  commenced  extensive  operations  for  the  destruction  of4he  gar 
rison  under  Major  Brown.  On  the  3d,  a  battery  opened  upon  the 
fort,  and  kept  up  a  brisk  fire  for  some  time,  but  was  finally  silenced. 
The  next  day  Captain  Walker  arrived  from  General  Taylor,  to  as 
certain  the  effect  of  the  cannonade  which  had  been  heard  at  Point 
Isabel.  At  his  departure  the  firing  was  renewed,  and  various  par 
ties  appeared  on  the  plains  as  though  preparing  for  a  charge.  Major 
Brown  now  found  that  his  six-pounders,  owing  to  the  distance,  did 
little  execution,  and  wishing  to  husband  his  ammunition  and  the 
strength  of  his  men,  the  enemy's  fire  was  not  returned. 

On  the  morning  of  the  5th,  a  battery  was  discovered  in  the  rear 
of  the  fort,  which  had  been  erected  by  a  large  body  of  the  enemy 
during  the  night.  It  opened  a  severe  fire,  and  at  the  same  time  a 
tremendous  discharge  of  shell  and  shot  was  maintained  from  the 
guns  in  Matamoras.  These  being  within  range  of  the  fort,  were 
answered  by  its  guns,  and  an  incessant  cannonading  was  kept  up 
until  the  afternoon  of  the  8th.  On  the  6th  the  gallant  Brown  was 
mortally  wounded  by  a  cannon-ball,  and  the  command  devolved  upon 
Captain  Hawkins.  He  had  scarcely  entered  upon  his  new  station, 
when  a  summons  to  surrender  reached  him  from  General  Arista. 
This  was  declined,  and  the  assailants  renewed  their  attack  with 
increased  vigour.  At  mid-day  on  the  8th,  the  thunder  of  the  Mexi 
can  batteries  suddenly  stopped.  Two  hours  passed,  and  other  guns 


BATTLE   OF   PALO   ALTO.  29 

were  heard,  sending  their  rapid  echoes  afar  from  the  north-east.  To 
the  exhausted  garrison  there  was  sympathy  and  succour  in  those 
deep  and  distant  sounds.  A  shout  of  joy  and  hope  went  up  from 
the  fort. 

General  Taylor  reached  Point  Isahel  without  interruption,  and 
until  the  evening  of  the  7th,  listened  with  deep  emotion  to  the  dull 
booming  of  cannon,  that  told  of  the  danger  of  those  gallant  spirits  he 
had  left  behind.  The  safe  return  of  Captain  Walker  from  his  peril 
ous  journey,  brought  the  cheering  news  that  the  garrison  were  still 
enthusiastic  in  their  defence ;  and  he  accordingly  took  time  to  com 
plete  all  necessary  arrangements  before  setting  out  to  return.  All 
things  being  satisfactorily  adjusted,  he  set  out  on  the  evening  of  the 
7th,  with  twenty-three  hundred  men,  on  his  return.  After  march 
ing  about  seven  miles,  he  halted  and  passed  the  night.  The  march 
was  resumed  on  the  following  morning,  and  continued  until  noon, 
when  scouts  brought  the  intelligence  that  the  enemy  were  drawn 
up  in  force,  directly  across  the  road.  The  period  so  long  expected 
by  the  soldiers  had  now  arrived ;  and  each  was  soon  to  test  his 
firmness  and  daring  amid  the  horrors  of  a  battle.  The  fatigue  of 
their  journey,  the  exhaustion  from  thirst  were  forgotten ;  and  one 
simultaneous  acceleration  in  the  march,  manifested  the  eagerness  to 
engage.  Onward  they  moved  in  compact  column,  until  the  long 
lines  of  the  foe,  faintly  glittering  in  the  distance,  broke  upon  the 
sight. 

Here  the  coolness  and  self-possession  of  General  Taylor  were 
most  admirably  displayed.  The  troops  were  upon  a  wide  level 
field,  bounded  in  front  by  rows  of  dwarfish  trees,  which  the  Mexi 
cans  denominate  Palo  Alto.  In  front  of  this  the  Mexican  army  was 
drawn  up  in  battle  array,  directly  across  the  road ;  while  on  the 
flanks  of  both  armies  were  small  pools  of  cold,  transparent  water. 
As  soon  as  the  enemy  were  observed,  the  General  halted  his  men, 
and  ordered  them  to  fill  their  canteens  with  fresh  water.  An  hour's 
rest  was  then  permitted,  after  which  the  advance  was  resumed. 

The  order  of  battle  was  then  formed  as  follows : — The  right  wing 
under  Colonel  Twiggs  was  composed  of  the  5th  infantry,  under 
Colonel  Mclntosh ;  Ringgold's  artillery ;  3d  infantry,  under  Captain 
Morris ;  two  eighteen-pounders,  under  Lieutenant  Churchill ;  4th 
infantry,  under  Major  Allen ;  two  squadrons  of  dragoons,  under 
Captains  Ker  and  May.  The  left  wing,  under  Colonel  Belknap, 
3* 


30  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY   TAYLOR. 

was  formed  of  a  battalion  of  artillery,  under  Colonel  Childs  ;  Dun 
can's  light  artillery;  and  the  8th  infantry,  under  Captain  Mont 
gomery. 

While  the  army  were  being  arranged,  Lieutenant  Blake  suddenly 
rode  forward  to  within  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  the  enemy, 
dismounted,  carefully  reconnoitred  their  position,  then  remounting, 
slowly  rode  along  their  whole  line,  and  returned  to  report  the  result 
to  General  Taylor.  A  feat  so  daring  filled  both  armies  with  admi 
ration. 

The  march  recommenced.  The  firm  tread  of  the  soldiers 
gave  no  echo  amid  the  matted  grass  of  the  prairie ;  and  the  deep 
silence  of  their  onward  progress  seemed  in  harmony  with  the  dread 
ful  business  to  which  they  were  moving.  But  that  stillness  was 
soon  broken.  When  within  seven  hundred  yards  of  the  Mexican 
force,  its  right  opened  with  a  tremendous  discharge  of  artillery. 
Then  General  Taylor  was  seen  hurrying  along  his  van,  deploying 
it  into  line,  and  exhorting  the  soldiers  to  be  firm.  Order  was  given 
to  return  the  fire,  and  immediately  all  other  sounds  were  drowned 
in  the  fearful  roar  of  artillery.  Resigning  the  battle  to  this  terrible 
engine,  the  infantry  and  rifle  corps  leaned  upon  their  pieces,  and 
watched  the  opposing  columns  as  they  swayed  to  and  fro  under  the 
constant  fire.  At  every  discharge,  whole  ranks  of  the  enemy 
were  mowed  down,  and  scores  of  horses  and  horsemen  flung  into 
one  undistinguished  mass. 

Unable  to  sustain  their  heavy  losses,  the  Mexican  infantry  began 
to  give  way,  when  General  Arista  ordered  a  charge  with  the  cavalry. 
Pouring  down  in  two  columns,  the  lancers  came  toward  the  Ameri 
can  line,  with  a  grace  and  rapidity  peculiar  to  the  Mexicans. 
But  before  they  reached  their  object,  Ridgely  and  Ringgold  opened 
the  artillery.  At  the  first  blast  they  staggered  —  again  and  again, 
with  stern  energy,  the  cannon  broke  forth ;  huge  gaps  opened 
among  the  horsemen,  and  scores  sunk  down  beneath  the  tramp  of 
their  companions.  Fear  succeeded  to  enthusiasm.  Every  exertion 
withered  before  the  dreadful  prospect  around.  They  turned  and 
fled  precipitately,  leaving  behind  them  at  every  step  victims  to  the 
iron  storm  that  pursued  them.  The  loss  of  the  Americans  was 
small,  but  it  included  the  brave  Major  Ringgold. 

The  battle  now  became  general,  and  raged  for  a  short  time  with 
fearful  destruction.  Suddenly,  by  a  discharge  from  one  of  Captain 


BATTLE  OF  RESACA  DE  LA  PALMA.        31 

Duncan's  pieces,  the  long  prairie  grass  was  ignited,  rolling  up 
volumes  of  smoke  in  heavy  masses,  which,  for  awhile,  blotted  out 
the  light  of  day.  The  battle  now  ceased,  and  favoured  by  the  ob 
scurity,  both  armies  formed  a  new  line.  Two  thousand  of  the 
Mexicans  moved  around  to  attack  the  unprotected  train  of  the  Ame 
ricans,  when,  fortunately  for  the  latter,  a  light  breeze  dispersed  the 
smoke,  and  revealed  the  movement.  Captain  Duncan  rapidly  gal- 
lopped  against  them,  and  when  the  air  became  clear,  opened  upon 
the  astonished  enemy  a  fire  that  arrested  in  a  moment  their  progress. 
The  Mexican  infantry  retired  to  some  neighbouring  chapparal,  but 
the  lancers  stood  firm  before  a  fire  which  cut  deep  gaps  in  their 
solid  masses.  Having  re-formed,  their  infantry  again  advanced  from 
the  wood,  and  moved  steadily  in  the  very  face  of  the  storm  from 
which  they  had  formerly  fled.  But  the  effort  was  vain ;  at  every 
discharge  death  rioted  madly  among  them,  and  soon  they  were  fly 
ing  in  utter  confusion.  The  cavalry  bore  up  but  a  moment  longer, 
and  then  turned  also.  Night  settled  around  the  victor  and  the 
vanquished,  forbidding  continued  pursuit.  Six  hundred  Mexicans, 
dead  and  wounded,  lay  on  that  battle-field  ;  the  loss  of  the  Ameri 
cans  was  but  nine  killed  and  forty-four  wounded. 

On  the  morning  of  the  9th,  the  Mexicans  were  dimly  seen  in  the 
distance  retreating  through  the  chapparal ;  and  anticipating  another 
battle  before  reaching  the  Rio  Grande,  General  Taylor  strongly 
parked  his  train,  formed  a  new  line,  and  advanced  in  battle  array. 
In  order  to  guard  against  surprise,  he  had  thrown  forward  a  small 
advance,  under  Captain  McCall,  to  ascertain  the  enemy's  force  and 
position.  About  three  o'clock  reports  of  musketry  were  heard,  and 
soon  after  the  general  was  informed  that  the  Mexicans  were  posted 
in  force  near  the  road. 

The  position  which  the  Mexicans  had  selected  was  most  admira 
bly  adapted  to  defensive  action.  A  strip  of  open  land  interrupts 
the  thick  chapparal,  and  through  this  open  space  is  a  deep  ravine, 
crossed  by  the  Matamoras  road.  The  ravine  is  about  four  feet  deep, 
and  from  one  to  two  hundred  wide.  In  rainy  seasons  its  bed  forms 
a  series  of  pools  which  subside  in  dry  weather,  and  hence  the  name 
Resaca  de  la  Palma.  In  this  natural  ditch,  and  amid  the  dense 
thicket  on  its  banks,  the  Mexicans  were  entrenched,  with  their  artil 
lery  in  such  a  position  as  completely  to  sweep  the  road. 

The  battle  of  Resaca  de  la  Palma,  like  that  of  the  former  day, 


32  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY    TAYLOR. 

was  brought  on  by  the  artillery.  Ridgely  pushed  his  guns  to  with 
in  one  hundred  yards  of  the  enemy,  and  at  that  fearful  proximity 
showers  of  iron  hail  flew  thick  and  fast  against  opposing  bosoms. 
At  the  same  time  the  infantry  was  pressing  forward,  and  soon  the 
rattling  of  musketry  joined  to  the  roar  of  cannon.  For  awhile  the 
struggle  was  dreadful ;  Mexico  seemed  determined  to  recover  her 
lost  honour;  and  heedless  of  the  numbers  that  fell  crushed  and 
bleeding  around,  her  brave  sons  poured  forth  their  rapid  volleys  in 
fierce  succession.  At  length  they  began  slowly  to  retire,  their. fire 
slackened,  and  finally  they  crossed  the  ravine  and  took  shelter  in 
the  chapparal.  With  shouts  that  rose  over  the  noise  of  artillery, 
the  Americans  rushed  on  to  complete  the  victory  by  a  charge  with 
the  bayonet.  But  the  ravine  was  guarded  with  artillery ;  and  the 
brave  men  who  stood  by  the  batteries,  as  though  feeling  that  the 
decision  of  fate  hung  with  them,  fought  in  a  manner  hitherto  un 
known  in  the  history  of  Mexico.  The  effect  upon  the  American 
lines  was  dreadful ;  and  so  effectually  was  the  pursuit  stopped,  that 
the  flying  cavalry  rallied  and  prepared  for  a  charge,  while  the  in 
fantry  re-formed  and  commenced  anew  their  fire. 

Perceiving  that  nothing  could  be  accomplished  until  these  guns 
were  silenced,  General  Taylor  ordered  Captain  May  to  charge  them 
with  his  dragoons.  May  shouted  to  his  men,  and  the  next  instant 
they  were  dashing  headlong  down  the  narrow  road  toward  the  can 
nons'  mouths.  Pausing  till  Ridgely  drew  the  enemy's  fire,  they 
again  drove  on,  and  almost  before  the  eye  had  time  to  trace  their 
course,  they  were  within  a  few  yards  of  the  fatal  guns.  May's 
horse  was  far  ahead  of  his  troop ;  and  as  he  turned  to  wave  them 
on,  only  the  impetuous  Inge  was  near  him.  Yet  that  squadron 
were  not  faltering.  Fast  as  their  straining  steeds  could  fly,  they 
were  hastening  on,  while  the  flinty  ground  rocked  and  echoed  be 
neath  their  tread.  Suddenly  a  volley  from  the  higher  battery  swept 
fearfully  upon  their  column,  crushing  seven  men  and  eighteen 
horses  to  the  earth.  But  the  living  paused  not.  One  leap,  and 
May  was  upon  the  battery.  His  men  followed,  and  the  Mexicans 
were  driven  back.  But  the  heroic  la  Vega  rallied  them  to  the 
charge,  and  once  more  seized  the  pieces.  Thus  charge  after  charge 
was  made  until  only  the  Mexican  general  was  left  at  his  guns. 
Surrounded  with  piles  of  dead,  grim  with  powder  and  smoke,  he 
tailed  his  troops  to  duty,  and  faced  his  fierce  enemies  unmoved. 


ROUT   OF   THE   MEXICANS.  33 

In  the  act  of  discharging  a  piece,  May  ordered  him  to  surrender, 
and  finding  further  resistance  vain  he  complied. 

But  the  struggle  was  not  yet  over.  The  battalion  of  Tampico, 
charged  forward  to  regain  their  artillery,  and  at  the  same  time  the 
contest  was  sustained  along  the  ravine  with  stubborn  bravery.  The 
chapparal  presented  greater  obstacles  to  the  progress  of  the  Ameri 
cans  than  the  enemy's  cannon.  From  these  natural  walls  the 
enemy  poured  a  deadly  fire,  and  in  the  wild  struggle  to  take 
them  the  artillery  mutually  ceased.  Friend  and  foe  were  clutched 
in  desperate  disorder  along  the  thickets,  and  in  the  open  spaces  to 
which  the  Mexicans  were  driven.  Worthily  they  strove  to  recover 
their  lost  position.  The  camp  and  head-quarters  of  Arista  had 
been  taken,  and  the  rout  of  his  troops  was  becoming  general.  But 
one  solitary  banner  still  defied  the  onset  of  the  victors  —  that  of  the 
f  ampico  battalion,  which  had  never  yielded  on  any  other  field. 
Against  fate  and  hope  those  brave  spirits  fought  on  until  all  were 
cut  down.  The  standard-bearer,  resolving  to  save  his  honoured 
charge,  tore  it  from  the  staff  and  fled.  But  ridden  down  by  the 
dragoons,  he  was  made  prisoner,  and  his  flag,  the  noblest  trophy  of 
the  field,  borne  away.  During  the  struggle  the  artillery  had  ad 
vanced,  and  at  last,  while  the  Mexicans  were  fleeing  in  every 
direction,  it  opened  upon  them  with  terrible  effect.  J  9'r>" 

In  this  battle  seventeen  hundred  Americans  were  opposed  to  six 
thousand  Mexicans.  So  total  was  the  rout,  that  everything  in  camp 
was  captured.  The  correspondence  of  the  commander,  General 
Arista,  his  plate  and  private  property,  the  provisions,  arms,  ammu 
nition,  standards,  pack-saddles,  and  every  equipment  of  six  thousand 
men  and  two  thousand  horses,  save  what  they  wore,  fell  into  the 
hands  of  the  victors.  The  American  loss  was  one  hundred  and 
ten ;  that  of  the  Mexicans,  probably  one  thousand. 

Thus  another  victory  was  won,  and  evening  separated  the  in 
furiated  combatants ;  but  its  dark  shades  closed  over  hundreds  of 
wounded,  dying  and  dead,  pale  and  stiff,  or  howling  in  the  agonies 
of  mortality.  In  the  panic  of  flight,  self-preservation  had  been  the 
only  thought  of  each  individual.  The  bleeding,  the  exhausted, 
were  borne  down  and  forsaken  by  the  sound  and  strong ;  infantry 
were  trampled  by  cavalry ;  and  the  multitude  fleeing  from  their  foes 
found  neither  help  nor  comfort  from  their  friends.  The  thickets 
and  hollows,  distant  from  the  scene  of  strife,  long  afterwards  told 


34  MAJOR-GENERAL    ZACHARY   TAYLOR. 

the  story  of  many  a  wearied  soldier,  who  had  struggled  to  some 
secluded  spot,  there  to  bleed  and  thirst,  and  faint  and  die  in  linger 
ing  agony. 

The  return  of  General  Taylor  to  his  fort  opposite  Matamoras, 
was  hailed  by  the  wearied  garrison  with  unbounded  exultation. 
All  cannonading  ceased,  and  the  exhausted  soldiers  were  permitted 
to  rest.  In  honour  of  the  unfortunate  commandant  the  fort  was 
denominated  Fort  Brown. 

On  the  llth,  General  Taylor  returned  to  Point  Isabel,  for  the 
purpose  of  arranging  with  Commodore  Conner,  of  the  gulf  squadron, 
a  plan  for  a  combined  attack  upon  Matamoras.  On  his  return  he 
made  every  preparation  for  crossing  the  river  that  his  limited  means 
allowed ;  but  was  not  able  to  accomplish  his  object  until  the  18th. 
He  summoned  the  city  to  surrender,  and  after  some  delay  was  an 
swered  that  he  might  enter  Matamoras  without  opposition.  Formal 
possession  was  accordingly  taken,  and  Colonel  Twiggs  immediately 
appointed  military  governor.  General  Arista,  with  his  army,  had 
retired  on  the  previous  night. 

The  small  town  of  Barita,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande, 
was  entered  without  resistance  on  the  15th. 

Although  General  Taylor  had  captured  an  important  city,  com 
pletely  driven  the  enemy  from  the  eastern  part  of  Mexico,  and 
erected  the  flag  of  his  country  on  the  left  side  of  the  Rio  Grande ; 
yet  so  small  were  his  forces  and  military  stores,  that  he  was  obliged 
to  remain  inactive  during  the  greater  part  of  the  summer.  When 
reinforcements  did  arrive,  they  were  entirely  destitute  of  the  means 
of  transportation,  and  being  newly-raised  volunteers,  many  of  them 
were  destitute  of  the  qualifications  necessary  to  face  an  enemy.  The 
general  was  earnest  in  his  representations  to  government  for  a  miti 
gation  of  these  difficulties  ;  but  his  efforts  were  for  a  long  time  unat 
tended  with  success.  Thus  he  was  obliged  to  remain  inactive, 
while  the  enemy  were  recovering  from  their  disasters,  and  sum 
moning  all  their  energies  for  another  struggle,  further  toward  the 
interior. 

The  following  extracts .  from  the  General's  letters,  will  give  an 
idea  of  the  amount  of  these  difficulties : 

"  I  beg  leave  earnestly  to  invite  the  attention  of  the  department 
10  the  following  points : 

"First,  the  great  influx  of  volunteers  at  Point  Isabel.     Five  regi- 


WANT    OF    TRANSPORTATION.  35 

ments,  certainly,  from  Louisiana,  numbering  say  3600  men ;  two 
regiments  or  battalions  from  Louisville  or  St.  Louis,  numbering  say 
1200  more  ;  several  companies  from  Alabama,  and  I  know  not  how 
many  from  Texas ;  the  latter  now  beginning  to  arrive.  The  volun 
teer  corps  now  under  my  orders  amount  to  nearly  six  thousand  men. 
How  far  they  may  be  increased  without  previous  notification  to  me, 
it  is  impossible  to  tell. 

"  Secondly,  the  entire  want  of  the  proper  kind  of  transportation  to 
push  my  operations  up  the  river.  The  boats  on  which  I  depended 
for  this  service,  were  found  to  be  nearly  destroyed  by  worms,  and 
entirely  unfit  for  the  navigation  of  the  river.  *  *  *  * 
At  the  last  date  from  New  Orleans,  no  boat  had  been  procured. 
Captain  Saunders,  of  the  engineers,  was  despatched  by  me  to  New 
Orleans,  to  assist  in  procuring  suitable  boats,  but  I  have  yet  received 
no  report  from  him. 

"As  I  have  previously  reported,  my  operations  are  completely 
paralyzed,  by  the  want  of  suitable  steamboats  to  navigate  the  Rio 
Grande.  Since  the  18th  of  May  the  army  has  lain  in  camp  near 
this  place,  continually  receiving  heavy  reinforcements  of  men,  but 
no  facility  for  water  transport,  without  which  additional  numbers 
are  but  an  embarrassment. 

"  I  desire  to  place  myself  right  in  this  matter,  and  to  let  the  de 
partment  see  that  the  inactivity  of  the  army  results  from  no  neglect 
of  mine.  I  must  express  my  astonishment  that  such  large  reinforce 
ments  have  been  sent  forward  to  join  the  army,  without  being  ac 
companied  by  the  means  of  transportation,  both  by  land  and  water, 
to  render  them  efficient.  As  matters  now  stand,  whatever  may  be 
the  expectations  of  the  Department,  I  cannot  move  from  this  place ; 
and  unless  Captain  Saunders  shall  succeed  in  procuring  boats  of  the 
proper  kind,  I  can  give  no  assurance  in  regard  to  future  operations." 

Again  he  writes  —  "  I  am  altogether  in  the  dark  as  to  our  future 
operations.  I  must  think  that  orders  have  been  given  by  superior 
authority,  to  suspend  the  forwarding  of  means  of  transportation  from 
New  Orleans.  I  cannot  otherwise  account  for  the  extraordinary 
delay  shown  by  the  Quarter-Master's  department  in  that  city 
Even  the  mails,  containing  probably  important  despatches  from  the 
government,  are  not  expedited. 

"  Volunteer  regiments  have  arrived  from  Louisville  and  St.  Louis, 
making  with  those  from  Louisiana,  eight  strong  and  organized  bat 

B* 


36  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY    TAYLOR. 

talions  —  mustering  over  five  thousand  men.  Tn  addition  we  have 
seven  companies  of  Alabama  volunteers,  and  twelve  or  fifteen  com 
panies  from  Texas.  Others  from  Texas  are  continually  arriving. 
A  portion  of  these  volunteers  have  been  lying  in  camp  at  this  place 
for  nearly  a  month,  completely  paralyzed  by  the  want  of  transporta 
tion.  Exposed  as  they  are  in  this  climate  to  diseases  of  the  camp, 
and  without  any  prospect  so  far  as  I  can  see  of  being  usefully  em 
ployed,  I  must  recommend  that  they  be  allowed  to  return  10  their 
homes." 

In  June,  Taylor  was  promoted  by  Congress  to  the  full  rank  of 
Major-General ;  and  the  different  states  of  the  Union,  together  with 
a  large  number  of  political  societies  and  meetings,  voted  him  testi 
monials  of  their  gratitude  for  his  distinguished  services. 

In  consequence  of  the  difficulties  which  have  been  mentioned, 
the  army  was  not  able  to  take  up  its  march  for  the  interior  until  the 
6th  of  September.  Meanwhile  the  towns  of  Mier,  Camargo,  Se- 
ralvo  and  Reynosa,  had  submitted  to  the  Americans,  and  become 
stations  for  different  divisions  of  the  army. 

On  the  above-mentioned  date,  the  commander  received  intelli 
gence  from  General  Worth,  that  large  reinforcements  of  the  enemy 
were  arriving  at  Monterey,  the  capital  city  of  the  Northern  Division 
of  Mexico.  He  accordingly  determined  to  push  forward  to  that 
place  with  all  speed ;  and  leaving  General  Patterson  in  command 
on  the  Rio  Grande,  he  advanced  to  join  Worth  at  Seralvo.  Here 
for  a  few  days  the  whole  army  rendezvoused,  and  then  continued 
their  advance.  On  the  18th  they  were  at  the  Walnut  Springs, 
three  miles  from  the  city. 

Monterey,  the  capital  of  New  Leon,  contains  about  fifteen  thou 
sand  inhabitants.  It  is  situated  near  the  base  of  the  grand  moun 
tain  range  called  Sierra  Madre,  parallel  to  which  runs  the  Arroya 
San  Juan,  a  small  branch  of  the  San  Juan  river.  On  the  north, 
whence  the  road  from  Camargo  approaches,  is  an  extensive  and 
gradually  inclined  plain  rising  from  the  margin  of  the  creek,  inter 
rupted  only  by  a  dry  ravine  crossing  it  about  three-fourths  of  a  mile 
in  front  of  the  town.  The  plain  is  varied  with  patches  of  chapparal, 
and  fields  of  corn  and  sugar-cane;  and  the  light  of  this  sunny 
undergrowth  is  relieved  by  the  umbrage  of  orange,  lemon,  citron 
and  olive  groves.  The  mountains  which  wall  up  the  southern  and 
western  horizon  rear  their  rugged  and  mighty  heads  far  above  the 


DEFENCES    OF    MONTEREY.  37 

clouds  of  the  valley,  and  a  single  gorge  marks  the  only  continuation 
to  Saltillo  of  the  roads  from  the  Rio  Grande,  which  coalesce  at 
Monterey. 

These  natural  defences  of  the  site  the  Mexicans  had  improved 
with  diligence  and  skill.  In  front  and  to  the  right  of  the  town,  a 
strong  and  extensive  fortress  known  as  the  citadel  had  for  some 

O 

time  been  erected.  Standing  on  the  plain  it  covers  an  area  of  about 
three  acres,  the  walls  of  solid  masonry,  thick  and  high,  with  bas 
tions  commanding  all  approach  from  the  north-east,  the  north,  and 
north-west.  On  the  eastern  side  of  the  city  several  redoubts  were 
built  near  the  suburbs,  forbidding  ingress  in  that  quarter.  The 
range  of  the  southernmost  of  these  extended  to  the  base  of  the 
heights  in  the  rear,  between  which  and  the  town,  as  has  been 
described,  is  the  course  of  the  Arroya  San  Juan.  Following  this 
course  to  the  south-west  extremity  of  the  city,  two  forts  appear  on 
the  hills  of  its  further  side ;  while  on  the  nearer  side  of  it,  as  well 
as  of  the  Saltillo  road,  are  heights  crowned  by  two  other  fortifica 
tions.  The  latter  of  these  is  a  large  unfinished  structure  designed 
for  the  Bishop's  Palace  and  known  as  such.  The  upper  one,  more 
remote  from  the  city,  is  an  independent  redoubt  erected  expressly 
for  defence.  Entrance  to  the  town  on  that  quarter  was  further 
forbidden  by  the  walls  of  the  cemetery,  forming  a  strong  breast 
work  with  embrasures.  These  numerous  and  well-constructed 
works  were  mounted  with  forty-two  heavy  cannon. 

The  plan  of  the  city  itself  is  excellently  adapted  to  defensive 
warfare.  The  streets  being  straight,  a  few  pieces  of  artillery  can 
command  their  entire  length.  The  stone  walls  of  the  houses  rise 
above  the  roofs,  thus  forming  regular  parapets  which  afford  tho 
rough  protection  to  the  defenders.  Each  dwelling  is  thus  a  separate 
castle,  and  the  whole  city  one  grand  fortification,  suggested  by 
nature  and  consummated  by  art. 

For  the  defence  of  these  works  the  commandant,  General  Ampu- 
dia,  had  eight  thousand  regular  troops  and  some  thousand  militia 
and  armed  citizens,  with  abundant  supplies  of  small  arms  and 
ammunition  in  addition  to  the  ordnance  already  mentioned. 

As  the  admirable  despatches  of  General  Taylor  always  convey 
the  clearest  account  of  his  operations,  we  subjoin  his  official  account 
of  the  siege  of  Monterey. 

"  The  information  received  on  the  route  from  Seralvo,  and  par- 
4 


38  MAJOR-GENERAL    ZACHARY   TAYLOR. 

ticularly  the  continual  appearance  in  our  front  of  the  Mexican 
cavalry,  which  had  a  slight  skirmish  with  our  advance  at  the  village 
of  Ramos,  induced  the  belief,  as  we  approached  Monterey,  that  the 
enemy  would  defend  that  place.  Upon  reaching  the  neighbourhood 
of  the  city,  on  the  morning  of  the  19th  of  September,  this  belief  was 
fully  confirmed.  It  was  ascertained  that  he  occupied  the  town  in 
force ;  that  a  large  work  had  been  constructed  commanding  all  the 
northern  approaches;  and  that  the  Bishop's  Palace,  and  some 
heights  in  its  vicinity  near  the  Saltillo  road,  had  also  been  fortified, 
and  occupied  with  troops  and  artillery.  It  was  known,  from  infor 
mation  previously  received,  that  the  eastern  approaches  were  com 
manded  by  several  small  works  in  the  lower  edge  of  the  city. 

"The  configuration  of  the  heights  and  gorges  in  the  direction  of 
the  Saltillo  road,  as  visible  from  the  point  attained  by  our  advance 
on  the  morning  of  the  19th,  led  me  to  suspect  that  it  was  practicable 
to  turn  all  the  works  in  that  direction,  and  thus  cut  ofF  the  enemy's 
line  of  communication.  After  establishing  my  camp  at  the  '  Walnut 
Springs,'  three  miles  from  Monterey,  the  nearest  suitable  position, 
it  was,  accordingly,  my  first  care  to  order  a  close  reconnoissance  of 
the  ground  in  question,  which  was  executed  on  the  evening  of  the 
19th,  by  the  engineer  officers  under  the  direction  of  Major  Mans 
field.  A  reconnoissance  of  the  eastern  approaches  was  at  the  same 
time  made  by  Captain  Williams,  Topographical  Engineers.  The 
examination  made  by  Major  Mansfield  proved  the  entire  practica 
bility  of  throwing  forward  a  column  to  the  Saltillo  road,  and  thus 
turning  the  position  of  the  enemy.  Deeming  this  to  be  an  operation 
of  essential  importance,  orders  were  given  to  Brevet-Brigadier-Gen 
eral  Worth,  commanding  the  second  division,  to  march  with  his 
command  on  the  20th :  to  turn  the  hill  of  the  Bishop's  Palace ;  to 
occupy  a  position  on  the  Saltillo  road,  and  to  carry  the  enemy's 
detached  works  in  that  quarter,  where  practicable.  The  first  regi 
ment  of  Texas  mounted  volunteers,  under  command  of  Colonel 
Hays,  was  associated  with  the  second  division  on  this  service. 
Captain  Sanders,  Engineers,  and  Lieutenant  Meade,  Topographical 
Engineers,  were  also  ordered  to  report  to  General  Worth  for  duty 
with  his  column. 

"  At  two  o'clock  P.  M.  on  the  20th,  the  second  division  took  up 
its  march.  It  was  soon  discovered,  by  officers  who  were  reconnoi 
tring  the  town,  and  communicated  to  General  Worth,  that  its 


PLAN  OF  ATTACK  ON  MONTEREY.         39 

movement  had  been  perceived,  and  that  the  enemy  was  throwing 
reinforcements  towards  the  Bishop's  Palace,  and  the  height  which 
commands  it.  To  divert  his  attention  as  far  as  practicable,  the  first 
division,  under  Brigadier-General  Twiggs,  and  field  division  of 
volunteers,  under  Major-General  Butler,  were  displayed  in  front  of 
the  town  until  dark.  Arrangements  were  made  at  the  same  time 
to  place  in  battery,  during  the  night,  at  a  suitable  distance  from  the 
enemy's  main  work,  the  citadel,  two  24-pounder  howitzers,  and  a 
10-inch  mortar,  with  a  view  to  open  a  fire  on  the  following  day, 
when  I  proposed  to  make  a  diversion  in  favour  of  General  Worth's 
movement.  The  4th  infantry  covered  this  battery  during  the  night. 
General  Worth  had  in  the  mean  time  reached  and  occupied,  for  the 
night,  a  defensive  position  just  without  range  of  a  battery  above  the 
Bishop's  Palace,  having  made  a  reconnoissance  as  far  as  the  Saltillo 
road. 

"  Before  proceeding  to  report  the  operations  of  the  21st  and  the 
following  days,  I  beg  leave  to  state  that  I  shall  mention  in  detail 
only  those  which  were  conducted  against  the  eastern  extremity  of 
the  city,  or  elsewhere,  under  my  immediate  direction,  referring  you 
for  the  particulars  of  General  Worth's  operations,  which  were  en 
tirely  detached,  to  his  own  full  report  transmitted  herewith.  ( 

"  Early  on  the  morning  of  the  21st,  I  received  a  note  from  Gene 
ral  Worth,  written  at  half-past  nine  o'clock  the  night  before,  sug 
gesting  what  I  had  already  intended,  a  strong  diversion  against  the 
centre  and  left  of  the  town,  to  favour  his  enterprise  against  the 
heights  in  rear.  The  infantry  and  artillery  of  the  first  division,  and 
the  field  division  of  volunteers,  were  ordered  under  arms,  and  took 
the  direction  of  the  city,  leaving  one  company  of  each  regiment  as 
a  camp  guard.  The  2d  dragoons,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  May, 
and  Colonel  Wood's  regiment  of  Texas  mounted  volunteers,  under 
the  immediate  direction  of  General  Henderson,  were  directed  to  the 
right  to  support  General  Worth,  if  necessary,  and  to  make  an  im 
pression,  if  practicable,  upon  the  upper  quarter  of  the  city.  Upon 
approaching  the  mortar  battery,  the  1st  and  3d  regiments  of  infantry, 
and  battalion  of  Baltimore  and  Washington  volunteers,  with  Captain 
Bragg's  field  battery — the  \vhole  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Garland — were  directed  towards  the  lower  part  of  the  town, 
with  orders  to  make  a  strong  demonstration,  and  carry  one  of  the 
enemy's  advanced  works,  if  it  could  be  done  without  too  heavy  loss. 


40  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY   TAYLOR. 

Major  Mansfield,  Engineers,  and  Captain  Williams  and  Lieutenant 
Pope,  Topographical  Engineers,  accompanied  this  column,  Major 
Mansfield  being  charged  with  its  direction,  and  the  designation  of 
points  of  attack. 

"  In  the  mean  time,  the  mortar,  served  by  Captain  Ramsay,  of  the 
ordnance,  and  the  howitzer  battery  under  Captain  Webster,  1st  ar 
tillery,  had  opened  their  fire  upon  the  citadel,  which  was  deliberately 
sustained,  and  answered  from  the  work.  General  Butler's  division 
had  now  taken  up  a  position  in  rear  of  this  battery,  when  the  dis 
charges  of  artillery,  mingled  finally  with  a  rapid  fire  of  small  arms, 
showed  that  Lieutenant-Colonel  Garland's  command  had  become 
warmly  engaged.  I  now  deemed  it  necessary  to  support  this  attack, 
and  accordingly  ordered  the  4th  infantry,  and  three  regiments  of 
General  Butler's  division,  to  march  at  once,  by  the  left  flank,  in  the 
direction  of  the  advanced  work  at  the  lower  extremity  of  the  town, 
leaving  one  regiment  (1st  Kentucky)  to  cover  the  mortar  and 
howitzer  battery.  By  some  mistake,  two  companies  of  the  4th  in 
fantry  did  not  receive  this  order,  and,  consequently,  did  not  join  the 
advance  companies  until  some  time  afterwards. 

"  Lieutenant-Colonel  Garland's  command  had  approached  the  town 
in  a  direction  to  the  right  of  the  advanced  work  (No.  1,)  at  the 
north-eastern  angle  of  the  city,  and  the  engineer  officer,  covered  by 
skirmishers,  had  succeeded  in  entering  the  suburbs  and  gaining 
cover.  The  remainder  of  this  command  now  advanced  and  entered 
the  town  under  a  heavy  fire  of  artillery  from  the  citadel  and  the 
works  on  the  left,  and  of  musketry  from  the  houses  and  small  works 
in  front.  A  movement  to  the  right  was  attempted,  with  a  view  to 
gain  the  rear  of  No.  1,  and  carry  that  work,  but  the  troops  were  so 
much  exposed  to  a  fire  which  they  could  not  effectually  return,  and 
had  already  sustained  such  severe  loss,  particularly  in  officers,  that 
it  was  deemed  best  to  withdraw  them  to  a  more  secure  position. 
Captain  Backus,  1st  infantry,  however,  with  a  portion  of  his  own 
and  other  companies,  had  gained  the  roof  of  a  tannery,  which 
looked  directly  into  the  gorge  of  No.  1,  and  from  which  he  poured 
a  most  destructive  fire  into  that  work  and  upon  the  strong  building 
in  its  rear.  This  fire  happily  coincided  in  point  of  time  with  the 
advance  of  a  portion  of  the  volunteer  division  upon  No.  1,  and  con 
tributed  largely  to  the  fall  of  that  strong  and  important  work. 

"The  three  regiments  of  the  volunteer  division,  under  *he  imme- 


ASSAULT    ON    MONTEREY.  41 

diate  command  of  Major-General  Butler,  had,  in  the  mean  time, 
advanced  in  the  direction  of  No.  1.  The  leading  brigade,  under 
Brigadier-General  Quitman,  continued  its  advance  upon  that  work, 
preceded  by  three  companies  of  the  4th  infantry,  while  General 
Butler,  with  the  1st  Ohio  regiment,  entered  the  town  to  the  right. 
The  companies  of  the  4th  infantry  had  advanced  within  short  range 
of  the  work,  when  they  were  received  by  a  fire  that  almost  in  one 
moment  struck  down  one-third  of  the  officers  and  men,  and  rendered 
it  necessary  to  retire  and  effect  a  conjunction  with  the  two  other 
companies  then  advancing.  General  Gluitman's  brigade,  though 
suffering  most  severely,  particularly  in  the  Tennessee  regiment, 
continued  its  advance,  arid  finally  carried  the  work  in  handsome 
style,  as  well  as  the  strong  building  in  its  rear.  Five  pieces  of 
artillery,  a  considerable  supply  of  ammunition,  and  thirty  prisoners, 
including  three  officers,  fell  into  our  hands. 

"  Major-General  Butler,  with  the  1st  Ohio  regiment,  after  enter 
ing  the  edge  of  the  town,  discovered  that  nothing  was  to  be  accom 
plished  in  his  front,  and  at  this  point,  yielding  to  the  suggestions  of 
several  officers,  I  ordered  a  retrograde  movement ;  but  learning 
almost  immediately  from  one  of  my  staff  that  the  battery  No.  1  was 
in  our  possession,  the  order  was  countermanded,  and  I  determined 
to  hold  the  battery  and  defences  already  gained.  General  Butler, 
with  the  1st  Ohio  regiment,  then  entered  the  town  at  a  point  further 
to  the  left,  and  marched  in  the  direction  of  the  battery  No.  2, 
While  making  an  examination  with  a  view  to  ascertain  the  possi 
bility  of  carrying  this  second  work  by  storm,  the  general  was 
wounded  and  soon  after  compelled  to  quit  the  field.  As  the  strength 
of  No.  2,  and  the  heavy  musketry  fire  flanking  the  approach,  ren 
dered  it  impossible  to  carry  it  without  great  loss,  the  1st  Ohio  regi 
ment  was  withdrawn  from  the  town. 

"  Fragments  of  the  various  regiments  engaged  were  now  under 
cover  of  the  captured  battery  and  some  buildings  in  its  front,  and 
on  the  right.  The  field  battery  of  Captains  Bragg  and  Ridgely 
was  also  partially  covered  by  the  battery.  An  incessant  fire  was 
kept  on  this  position  from  battery  No.  2,  and  other  works  on  its 
right,  and  from  the  citadel  on  all  our  approaches.  General  Twiggs, 
though  quite  unwell,  joined  me  at  this  point,  and  was  instrumental 
in  causing  the  artillery  captured  from  the  enemy  to  be  placed  in 
battery,  and  served  by  Captain  Ridgely,  against  No.  2,  until  the 
4* 


42  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY    TAYLOR. 

arrival  of  Captain  Webster's  howitzer  battery,  which  took  its  place. 
In  the  mean  time,  I  directed  such  men  as  could  be  collected  of  the 
1st,  3d,  and  4th  regiments  and  Baltimore  battalion,  to  enter  the 
town,  penetrate  to  the  right,  and  carry  the  2d  battery  if  possible. 
This  command,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Garland,  advanced  be 
yond  the  bridge  "  Purisima,"  when,  finding  it  impracticable  to  gain 
the  rear  of  the  2d  battery,  a  portion  of  it  sustained  themselves  for 
some  time  in  that  advanced  position ;  but  as  no  permanent  impres 
sion  could  be  made  at  that  point,  and  the  main  object  of  the  general 
operation  had  been  effected,  the  command,  including  a  section  of 
Captain  Ridgely's  battery,  which  had  joined  it,  was  withdrawn  to 
battery  No.  1.  During  the  absence  of  this  column,  a  demonstra 
tion  of  cavalry  was  reported  in  the  direction  of  the  citadel.  Cap 
tain  Bragg,  who  was  at  hand,  immediately  galloped  with  his  bat 
tery  to  a  suitable  position,  from  which  a  few  discharges  effectually 
dispersed  the  enemy.  Captain  Miller,  1st  infantry,  was  despatched 
with  a  mixed  command  to  support  the  battery  on  this  service.  The 
enemy's  lancers  had  previously  charged  upon  the  Ohio  and  a  part 
of  the  Mississippi  regiments,  near  some  fields  at  a  distance  from  the 
edge  of  the  town,  and  had  been  repulsed  with  considerable  loss. 
A  demonstration  of  cavalry  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river  was 
also  dispersed  in  the  course  of  the  afternoon  by  Captain  Ridgely's 
battery,  and  the  squadrons  returned  to  the  city.  At  the  approach 
of  evening  all  the  troops  that  had  been  engaged  were  ordered  back 
to  the  camp,  except  Captain  Ridgely's  battery  and  the  regular  in 
fantry  of  the  1st  division,  who  were  detailed  as  a  guard  for  the 
works  during  the  night,  under  command  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Gar 
land.  One  battalion  of  the  1st  Kentucky  regiment  was  ordered  to 
reinforce  this  command.  Intrenching  tools  were  procured,  and  ad 
ditional  strength  was  given  to  the  works,  and  protection  to  the  men, 
by  working-parties  during  the  night,  under  the  direction  of  Lieu 
tenant  Scarritt,  Engineers. 

"  The  main  object  proposed  in  the  morning  had  been  effected. 
A  powerful  diversion  had  been  made  to  favour  the  operations  of  the 
second  division,  one  of  the  enemy's  advanced  works  had  been  car 
ried,  and  we  now  had  a  strong  foot-hold  in  the  town.  But  this  had 
not  been  accomplished  without  a  very  heavy  loss,  embracing  some 
of  our  most  gallant  and  accomplished  officers.  Captain  Williams, 
Topographical  Engineers  ;  Lieutenants  Terrett  and  Dilworth,  1st  in- 


CONTINUED   ASSAULT   UPON    MONTEREY.  43 

fantry ;  Lieutenant  Woods,  2d  infantry  ;  Captains  Morris  and  Field, 
Brevet-Major  Barbour,  Lieutenants  Irwin  and  Hazlitt,  3d  infantry  ; 
Lieutenant  Hoskins,  4th  infantry ;  Lieutenant-Colonel  Watson,  Bal 
timore  battalion ;  Captain  Allen  and  Lieutenant  Putnam,  Tennessee 
regiment,  and  Lieutenant  Hett,  Ohio  regiment,  were  killed,  or  have 
since  died  of  wounds  received  in  this  engagement,  while  the  num 
ber  and  rank  of  the  officers  wounded  gives  additional  proof  of  the 
obstinacy  of  the  contest,  and  the  good  conduct  of  our  troops.  The 
number  of  killed  and  wounded  incident  to  the  operations  in  the 
lower  part  of  the  city  on  the  21st  is  three  hundred  and  ninety-four. 

"Early  in  the  morning  of  this  day  (21st),  the  advance  of  the 
second  division  had  encountered  the  enemy  in  force,  and  after  a 
brief  but  sharp  conflict,  repulsed  him  with  heavy  loss.  General 
Worth  then  succeeded  in  gaining  a  position  on  the  Saltilio  road, 
thus  cutting  off  the  enemy's  line  of  communication.  From  this  posi 
tion  the  two  heights  south  of  the  Saltilio  road  were  carried  in  suc 
cession,  and  the  guns  taken  in  one  of  them  turned  upon  the  Bishop's 
Palace.  These  important  successes  were  fortunately  obtained  with 
comparatively  small  loss:  Captain  McKavett,  8th  infantry,  being 
the  only  officer  killed. 

"The  22d  day  of  September  passed  without  any  active  operations 
in  the  lower  part  of  the  city.  The  citadel  and  other  works  conti 
nued  to  fire  at  parties  exposed  to  their  range,  and  at  the  work  now 
occupied  by  our  troops.  The  guard  left  in  it  the  preceding  night, 
except  Captain  Ridgely's  company,  was  relieved  at  mid-day  by 
General  Quitman's  brigade.  Captain  Bragg's  battery  was  thrown 
under  cover  in  front  of  the  town,  to  repel  any  demonstration  of 
cavalry  in  that  quarter.  At  dawn  of  day  the  height  above  the 
Bishop's  Palace  was  carried,  and  soon  after  meridian  the  Palace 
itself  was  taken,  and  its  guns  turned  upon  the  fugitive  garrison. 
The  object  for  which  the  second  division  was  detached  had  thus 
been  completely  accomplished,  and  I  felt  confident  that  with  a  strong 
force  occupying  the  road  and  heights  in  his  rear,  and  a  good  posi 
tion  below  the  city  in  our  possession,  the  enemy  could  not  possibly 
maintain  the  town. 

"During  the  night  of  the  22d  the  enemy  evacuated  nearly  all  his 
defences  in  the  lower  part  of  the  city.  This  was  reported  to  me 
early  in  the  morning  of  the  23d,  by  General  Quitman,  who  had 
already  meditated  an  assault  upon  those  works.  I  immediately 


44  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY   TAYLOR. 

sent  instructions  to  that  officer,  leaving  it  to  his  discretion  to  enter 
the  city,  covering  his  men  by  the  houses  and  walls,  and  advance 
carefully  so  far  as  he  might  deem  prudent. 

"  After  ordering  the  remainder  of  the  troops  as  a  reserve,  under 
the  orders  of  Brigadier-General  Twiggs,  I  repaired  to  the  abandoned 
works,  and  discovered  that  a  portion  of  General  Gluitman's  brigade 
had  entered  the  town,  and  were  successfully  forcing  their  way 
towards  the  principal  plaza.  I  then  ordered  up  the  second  regi 
ment  of  Texas  mounted  volunteers,  who  entered  the  city,  dismount 
ed,  and,  under  the  immediate  orders  of  General  Henderson,  co-ope 
rated  with  General  Gluitman's  brigade.  Captain  Bragg's  battery 
was  also  ordered  up,  supported  by  the  3d  infantry,  and  after  firing 
for  some  time  at  the  Cathedral,  a  portion  of  it  was  likewise  thrown 
into  the  city.  Our  troops  advanced  from  house  to  house,  and  from 
square  to  square,  until  they  reached  a  street  but  one  square  in  rear 
of  the  principal  plaza,  in  and  near  which  the  enemy's  force  was 
mainly  concentrated.  This  advance  was  conducted  vigorously,  but 
with  due  caution,  and  although  destructive  to  the  enemy,  was 
attended  with  but  small  Joss  on  our  part.  Captain  Ridgely,  in  the 
mean  time,  had  served  a  captured  piece  in  battery  No.  1  against  the 
city,  until  the  advance  of  our  men  rendered  it  imprudent  to  fire  in 
the  direction  of  the  Cathedral.  I  was  now  satisfied  that  we  could 
operate  successfully  in  the  city,  and  that  the  enemy  had  retired  from 
the  lower  portion  of  it  to  make  a  stand  behind  his  barricades.  As 
General  Gluitman's  brigade  had  been  on  duty  the  previous  night,  I 
determined  to  withdraw  the  troops  to  the  evacuated  works,  and 
concert  with  General  Worth  a  combined  attack  upon  the  town. 
The  troops  accordingly  fell  back  deliberately,  in  good  order,  and 
resumed  their  original  positions,  General  Gluitman's  brigade  being 
relieved  after  nightfall  by  that  of  General  Hamer.  On  my  return 
to  camp,  I  met  an  officer  with  the  intelligence  that  General  Worth, 
induced  by  the  firing  in  the  lower  part  of  the  city,  was  about 
making  an  attack  at  the  upper  extremity,  which  had  also  been 
evacuated  by  the  enemy  to  a  considerable  distance.  I  regretted 
that  this  information  had  not  reached  me  before  leaving  the  city, 
but  still  deemed  it  inexpedient  to  change  my  orders,  and  accordingly 
returned  to  camp.  A  note  from  General  Worth,  written  at  11 
o'clock,  P.  M.,  informed  me  that  he  had  advanced  to  within  a  short 
distance  of  the  principal  plaza,  and  that  the  mortar  (which  had  been 


MONTEREY    SURRENDERS.  45 

sent  to  his  division  in  the  morning)  was  doing  good  execution  within 
effective  range  of  the  enemy's  position. 

"Desiring  to  make  no  further  attempt  upon  the  city  without 
complete  concert  as  to  the  lines  and  mode  of  approach,  I  instructed 
that  officer  to  suspend  his  advance  until  I  could  have  an  interview 
with  him  on  the  following  morning,  at  his  head-quarters. 

"Early  in  the  morning  of  the  24th  I  received,  through  Colonel 
Moreno,  a  communication  from  General  Ampudia,  proposing  to 
evacuate  the  town  ;  which,  with  the  answer,  were  forwarded  with 
my  first  despatch.  I  arranged  with  Colonel  Moreno  a  cessation  of 
fire  until  twelve  o'clock,  at  which  hour  I  would  receive  the  answer 
of  the  Mexican  general  at  General  AVorth's  head-quarters,  to  which 
I  soon  repaired.  In  the  mean  time,  General  Ampudia  had  signified 
to  General  Worth  his  desire  for  a  personal  interview  with  me,  to 
which  I  acceded,  and  which  finally  resulted  in  a  capitulation, 
placing  the  town  and  the  material  of  war,  with  certain  exceptions, 
in  our  possession.  A  copy  of  that  capitulation  was  transmitted 
with  my  first  despatch. 

"Upon  occupying  the  city,  it  was  discovered  to  be  of  great  strength 
in  itself,  and  to  have  its  approaches  carefully  and  strongly  fortified. 
The  town  and  works  were  armed  with  forty-two  pieces  of  cannon, 
well  supplied  with  ammunition,  and  manned  with  a  force  of  at  least 
seven  thousand  troops  of  the  line,  and  from  two  to  three  thousand 
irregulars.  The  force  under  my  orders  before  Monterey,  as  ex 
hibited  by  the  accompanying  return,  was  four  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  officers,  and  six  thousand  two  hundred  and  twenty  men.  Our 
artillery  consisted  of  one  ten-inch  mortar,  two  twenty-four  pounder 
howitzers,  and  four  light  field  batteries  of  four  guns  each  —  the 
mortar  being  the  only  piece  suitable  to  the  operations  of  a  siege. 

"  Our  loss  is  twelve  officers  and  one  hundred  and  eight  men 
killed  ;  thirty-one  officers  and  three  hundred  and  thirty-seven  men 
wounded.  That  of  the  enemy  is  not  known,  but  is  believed  con 
siderably  to  exceed  our  own. 

"  I  take  pleasure  in  bringing  to  the  notice  of  the  government  the 
good  conduct  of  the  troops,  both  regulars  and  volunteers,  which  has 
been  conspicuous  throughout  the  operations.  I  am  proud  to  bear 
testimony  to  their  coolness  and  constancy  in  battle,  and  the  cheer 
fulness  with  which  they  have  submitted  to  exposure  and  privation. 
To  the  general  officers  commanding  divisions  —  Major-Generals 


46  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY    TAYLOR. 

Butler  and  Henderson,  and  Brigadier-Generals  Twiggs  and  Worth 
— I  must  express  my  obligations  for  the  efficient  aid  which  they 
have  rendered  in  their  respective  commands.  I  was  unfortunately 
deprived,  early  on  the  21st,  of  the  valuable  services  of  Major- 
General  Butler,  who  was  disabled  by  a  wound  received  in  the 
attack  on  the  city.  Major-General  Henderson,  commanding  the 
Texan  volunteers,  has  given  me  important  aid  in  the  organization 
of  his  command,  and  its  subsequent  operations.  Brigadier-General 
Twiggs  rendered  important  services  with  his  division,  and,  as  the 
second  in  command,  after  Major-General  Butler  was  disabled. 
Brigadier-General  Worth  was  intrusted  with  an  important  detach 
ment,  which  rendered  his  operations  independent  of  my  own. 
These  operations  were  conducted  with  ability,  and  crowned  with 
complete  success.  I  desire  also  to  notice  Brigadier-Generals  Hamer 
and  Gluitman,  commanding  brigades  in  General  Butler's  division ; 
Lieutenant-Colonels  Garland  and  Wilson,  commanding  brigades  in 
General  Twiggs's  division ;  Colonels  Mitchell,  Campbell,  Davis, 
and  Wood,  commanding  the  Ohio,  Tennessee,  Mississippi,  and 
2d  Texas  regiments,  respectively  ;  and  Majors  Lear,  Allen,  and 
Abercrombie,  commanding  the  3d,  4th,  and  1st  regiments  of  in 
fantry  ;  all  of  whom  served  under  my  eye,  and  conducted  their 
commands  with  coolness  and  gallantry  against  the  enemy. 

"Colonel  Mitchell,  Lieutenant-Colonel  M'Clung,  Mississippi  regi 
ment,  Major  Lear,  3d  infantry,  and  Major  Alexander,  Tennessee 
regiment,  were  all  severely  wounded,  as  were  Captain  Lamotte,  1st 
infantry,  Lieutenant  Graham,  4th  infantry,  Adjutant  Armstrong, 
Ohio  regiment,  Lieutenants  Scudderand  Allen,  Tennessee  regiment, 
and  Lieutenant  Howard,  Mississippi  regiment,  while  leading  their 
men  against  the  enemy's  position  on  the  21st  and  23d.  After  the 
fall  of  Colonel  Mitchell,  the  command  of  the  1st  Ohio  regiment  de 
volved  upon  Lieutenant-Colonel  Weller;  that  of  the  3d  infantry, 
after  the  fall  of  Major  Lear,  devolved  in  succession  upon  Captain 
Bainbridge  and  Captain  Henry,  the  former  being  also  wounded. 
The  following  named  officers  have  been  favourably  noticed  by  their 
commanders:  Lieutenant-Colonel  Anderson  and  Adjutant  Heiman, 
Tennessee  regiment ;  Lieutenant-Colonel  M'Clung,  Captains  Cooper 
and  Downing;  Lieutenants  Batterson, Calhoun,  Moore,  Russel,  and 
Cook,  Mississippi  regiments  ;  also  Sergeant-Major  Hearlan,  Missis 
sippi  regiment ;  and  Major  Price  and  Captain  J.  R.  Smith,  unat- 


COMMENDATIONS   BY    GENERAL   TAYLOR.  47 

tached,  but  serving  with  it.  I  beg  leave  also  to  call  attention  to  the 
good  conduct  of  Captain  Johnson,  Ohio  regiment,  and  Lieutenant 
Hooker,  1st  artillery,  serving  on  the  staff  of  General  Hamer,  and  of 
Lieutenant  Nichols,  2d  artillery,  on  that  of  General  Q-uitman. 
Captains  Bragg  and  Ridgely  served  with  their  batteries  during  the 
operations  under  my  own  observation,  and  in  part  under  my  imme 
diate  orders,  and  exhibited  distinguished  skill  and  gallantry.  Cap 
tain  Webster,  1st  artillery,  assisted  by  Lieutenants  Donaldson  and 
Bowen,  rendered  good  service  with  the  howitzer  battery,  which  was 
much  exposed  to  the  enemy's  fire  on  the  21st. 

"  From  the  nature  of  the  operations,  the  2d  dragoons  were  not 
brought  into  action,  but  were  usefully  employed,  under  the  direction 
of  Lieutenant-Colonel  May,  as  escorts,  and  in  keeping  open  our 
communications.  The  1st  Kentucky  regiment  was  also  prevented 
from  participating  in  the  action  of  the  21st,  but  rendered  highly  im 
portant  services,  under  Colonel  Ormsby,  in  covering  the  mortar  bat 
tery,  and  holding  in  check  the  enemy's  cavalry  during  the  day. 

"I  have  noticed  above,  the  officers  whose  conduct  either  fell 
directly  under  my  own  immediate  eye,  or  is  noticed  only  in  minor 
reports  which  are  not  forwarded.  For  further  mention  of  indi 
viduals,  I  beg  leave  to  refer  to  the  reports  of  division  commanders 
herewith  respectfully  transmitted.  I  fully  concur  in  their  recom 
mendations,  and  desire  that  they  may  be  considered  as  a  part  of  my 
own  report. 

"  From  the  officers  of  my  personal  staff  and  of  the  engineers, 
topographical  engineers,  and  ordnance,  associated  with  me,  I  have 
derived  valuable  and  efficient  assistance  during  the  operations. 
Colonel  Whiting,  assistant  quartermaster-general,  Colonels  Croghan 
and  Belknap,  inspectors-general,  Major  Bliss,  assistant  adjutant-gen 
eral,  Captain  Sibley,  assistant  quartermaster,  Captain  Waggaman, 
commissary  of  subsistence,  Captain  Eaton  and  Lieutenant  Garnett, 
aids-de-camp,  and  Majors  Kirby  and  Van  Buren,  pay  department, 
served  near  my  person,  and  were  ever  prompt,  in  all  situations,  in 
the  communication  of  my  orders  and  instructions.  I  must  express 
my  particular  obligations  to  Brevet-Major  Mansfield  and  Lieutenant 
Scarritt,  corps  of  engineers.  They  both  rendered  most  important 
services  in  reconnoitring  the  enemy's  positions,  conducting  troops 
in  attack,  and  strengthening  the  works  captured  from  the  enemy. 
Major  Mansfield,  though  wounded  on  the  21st,  remained  on  duty 


48  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY   TAYLOR. 

during  that  and  the  following  day,  until  confined  by  his  wound  to 
camp.  Captain  Williams,  Topographical  Engineers,  to  my  great 
regret,  and  the  loss  of  the  service,  was  mortally  wounded  while  fear 
lessly  exposing  himself  in  the  attack  of  the  21st.  Lieutenant  Pope, 
of  the  same  corps,  was  active  and  zealous  throughout  the  operations. 
Major  Munroe,  chief  of  the  artillery,  Major  Craig,  and  Captain 
Ramsey,  of  the  ordnance,  were  assiduous  in  the  performance  of  their 
proper  duties.  The  former  superintended  the  mortar-service  on  the 
22d,  as  particularly  mentioned  in  the  report  of  General  Worth,  to 
which  I  also  refer  for  the  services  of  the  engineers  and  topographical 
officers  detached  with  the  second  division. 

"  Surgeon  Craig,  medical  director,  was  actively  employed  in  the 
important  duties  of  his  department,  and  the  medical  staff  generally 
were  unremitting  in  their  attentions  to  the  numerous  wounded  — 
their  duties  with  the  regular  regiments  being  rendered  uncommonly 
arduous  by  the  small  number  serving  in  the  field." 

The  following  accounts  from  the  pen  of  an  officer  belonging  to 
the  Baltimore  battalion,  will  serve  to  show  the  degree  of  individual 
suffering  and  bravery  evinced  by  many  of  the  companies. 

"  I  saw  Colonel  Watson  shouting,  but  as  to  hearing  a  command 
that  was  an  impossibility,  owing  to  the  deafening  roar  of  the  can 
non  and  musketry.  I  saw  the  head  of  our  line  changing  its  direc 
tion,  and  I  knew  at  once  that  the  point  of  attack  was  changed,  and 
ran  to  the  head  of  my  company  to  intercept  the  head  of  the  column. 
I  reached  it  just  as  Colonel  W^atson  was  dismounting  from  his  horse, 
which  the  next  moment  fell  from  a  shot.  The  colonel  cried  out  to 
the  men,  *  Shelter  yourselves,  men,  the  best  way  you  can.'  At 
this  time,  the  battalion  was  scattered  over  a  space  of  about  an  acre, 
and  the  men  were  lying  down,  the  shot  in  most  instances  flying 
over  our  heads ;  but  the  guns  were  soon  depressed  and  the  shot 
began  to  take  effect. 

"  I  was  lying  close  to  Colonel  Watson,  alongside  of  a  hedge, 
when  he  jumped  up  and  cried  out,  'Now  is  the  time  boys,  follo\v 
me !'  We  were  now  in  a  street  or  lane  with  a  few  houses  on  either 
side,  and  within  a  hundred  yards  of  three  batteries  which  com 
pletely  raked  it,  in  addition  to  which,  two  twelve-pound  guns  were 
planted  in  the  castle  on  the  right,  and  completely  enfiladed  the 
whole  distance  we  had  to  make.  Add  to  this  the  thousand  mus 
keteers  on  the  house-tops,  and  in  the  barricades  at  the  head  of  the 


THE   BALTIMORE   BATTALION.  49 

street  up  which  we  advanced,  and  at  every  cross  street,  and  you 
may  form  some  idea  of  the  deluge  of  balls  poured  upon  us.  (Bear 
in  mind  that  the  four  companies  of  regulars  were  now  with  us,  the 
one  intermingled  with  the  other.)  Onward  we  went,  men  and 
horses  falling  at  every  step.  Cheers,  shrieks,  groans  and  words  of 
command  added  to  the  din,  whilst  the  roar  of  the  guns  was  abso 
lutely  deafening. 

"  We  had  advanced  up  the  street  under  this  awful  and  fatal  fire 
nearly  two  hundred  yards,  when  we  reached  a  cross  street,  at  the 
corner  of  which,  all  those  who  had  succeeded  in  getting  this  far 
halted,  as  if  by  mutual  consent.  I  was  shaking  Colonel  Watson 
by  the  hand,  while  he  was  complimenting  me,  when  a  shower  of 
grape,  round  and  canister  shot,  came  from  the  corner  above,  and 
Jive  officers  fell,  and  I  know  not  how  many  privates.  Each  man 
sought  some  place  of  apparent  shelter. 

"I  sat  down  on  the  ground,  with  my  back  to  the  wall  of  a  house. 
On  my  left  were  two  men  torn  nearly  to  pieces.  One  of  them  was 
lying  flat  on  his  back  with  his  legs  extending  farther  in  the  street 
than  mine.  Crash  came  another  shower  of  grape,  which  tore  one 
of  his  wounded  legs  off.  He  reared  up,  shrieked,  and  fell  back  a 
corpse.  I  never  moved,  for  I  was  satisfied  that  one  place  was  as 
safe  as  another.  Directly  opposite  to  me  was  my  brevet  2d  Lieu 
tenant  Aisquith ;  on  the  right  hand  corner  was  Lieutenant  Bowie, 
also  of  my  company ;  and  close  to  me  sat  Colonel  Watson  and 
Adjutant  SchoBler.  In  a  few  minutes  I  saw  our  colour  Serjeant,  old 
Hart,  come  past  with  his  right  arm  shattered,  and  in  a  few  minutes 
there  came  our  battalion  flag,  borne  by  one  of  the  colour  guards — 
our  glorious  stars  and  stripes — and  note  this,  that  it  was  the  first 
American  flag  in  the  city  of  Monterey,  an  honour  which  we  know 
belongs  to  our  battalion. 

"  No  man  there  ever  thought  for  a  moment  that  he  would  get  out 
alive,  and  most  of  them  did  not.  The  firing  still  continued  without 
the  slightest  intermission,  whilst  we  remained  at  this  memorable 
corner,  which  was  perhaps  for  fifteen  minutes.  When  we  were 
ordered  to  charge  up  the  street,  a  slight  hesitation  was  manifested 
by  both  regulars  and  volunteers,  but  the  officers  sprang  to  the  front 
in  double  file.  We  advanced  I  suppose  about  fifty  yards,  when 
Colonel  Garland  of  the  army  ordered  us  to  retire.  We  still  ad 
vanced,  and  he  again  ordered  us  to  retire,  adding  this  time  in  good 
5 


50  MAJOR-GENERAL    ZACHARY   TAYLOR. 

order.  I  now  became  separated  from  Colonel  Watson,  and  never 
saw  him  again.  He  took  the  left  hand  side  of  the  street  and  I  the 
right  hand,  and  when  I  reached  the  open  field  where  he  had  first 
ordered  us  to  lie  down,  I  was  joined  by  Lieutenant  Aisquith,  who 
to  my  inquiry  answered  that  he  had  just  left  the  colonel,  and  sup 
posed  that  he  would  soon  be  with  us.  Seeing  no  other  officer 
around  me,  I  rallied  the  battalion,  and  led  them  down  to  make 
another  attack  upon  the  fort." 

The  following  are  the  terms  of  capitulation :  — 

ARTICLE  I.  As  the  legitimate  result  of  the  operations  before 
this  place,  and  the  present  position  of  the  contending  armies,  it  is 
agreed  that  the  city,  the  fortifications,  cannon,  munitions  of  war, 
and  all  other  public  property,  with  the  undermentioned  exceptions, 
be  surrendered  to  the  commanding  general  of  the  United  States 
forces  now  at  Monterey. 

ARTICLE  II.  That  the  Mexican  forces  be  allowed  to  retain  the 
following  arms,  to  wit :  the  commissioned  officers  their  side-arms, 
the  infantry  their  arms  and  accoutrements,  the  cavalry  their  arms 
and  accoutrements,  the  artillery  one  field  battery,  not  to  exceed  six 
pieces,  with  twenty-one  rounds  of  ammunition. 

ARTICLE  III.  That  the  Mexican  armed  forces  retire,  within 
seven  days  from  this  date,  beyond  the  line  formed  by  the  pass  of 
Rinconada,  the  city  of  Linares  and  San  Fernando  de  Preras. 

ARTICLE  IV.  That  the  citadel  of  Monterey  be  evacuated  by  the 
Mexican  and  occupied  by  the  American  forces  to-morrow  morning 
at  ten  o'clock. 

ARTICLE  V.  To  avoid  collisions,  and  for  mutual  convenience, 
that  the  troops  of  the  United  States  will  not  occupy  the  city  until 
the  Mexican  forces  have  withdrawn,  except  for  hospital  and  storage 
purposes. 

ARTICLE  VI.  That  the  forces  of  the  United  States  will  not  ad 
vance  beyond  the  line  specified  in  the  3d  article,  before  the  expira 
tion  of  eight  weeks,  or  until  orders  or  instructions  of  the  respective 
governments  can  be  received. 

ARTICLE  VII.  That  the  public  property  to  be  delivered,  shall  be 
turned  over  and  received  by  officers  appointed  by  the  commanding 
generals  of  the  two  armies. 

ARTICLE  VIII.  That  all  doubts  as  to  the  meaning  of  any  of  the 


51 

preceding  articles,  shall  be  solved  by  an  equitable  construction,  or 
on  principles  of  liberality  to  the  retiring  army. 

ARTICLE  IX.  That  the  Mexican  flag,  when  struck  at  the  citadel, 
may  be  saluted  by  its  own  battery. 

In  the  transactions  attending  the  capture  of  the  city,  General  Tay 
lor  had  hoped  to  secure  the  approbation  of  government.  In  this, 
however,  he  was  disappointed.  Not  only  were  the  terms  considered 
as  entirely  too  lenient,  but  he  was  even  blamed  for  not  having  car 
ried  the  defences  by  assault,  and  thus  making  the  garrison  uncondi 
tional  prisoners.  Time,  however,  has  shown  that  by  such  a  course 
his  little  army  would  have  endured  appalling  loss  without  corre 
sponding  advantages  to  balance  it ;  and  that  General  Taylor's  course, 
dictated  as  it  was  by  humanity  and  honour,  was  the  most  advanta 
geous  to  his  troops  and  to  the  country,  that  he  could  possibly  have 
adopted.  This  will  appear  evident  from  the  following  statements, 
made  by  the  General  himself,  in  reply  to  a  letter  from  the  Adjutant 
General : 

"The  convention  presents  two  distinct  points :  First,  the  permis 
sion  granted  the  Mexican  army  to  retire  with  their  arms,  &c. 
Secondly,  the  temporary  cessation  of  hostilities  for  the  term  of  eight 
weeks.  I  shall  remark  on  these  in  order. 

"  The  force  with  which  I  marched  on  Monterey  was  limited  by 
causes  beyond  my  control,  to  about  six  thousand  men.  With  this 
force,  as  every  military  man  must  admit,  who  has  seen  the  ground, 
it  was  entirely  impossible  to  invest  Monterey  so  closely  as  to  prevent 
the  escape  of  the  garrison.  Although  the  main  communication  with 
the  interior  was  in  our  possession,  yet  one  route  was  open  to  the 
Mexicans  throughout  the  operations,  and  could  not  be  closed,  as 
were  also  other  minor  tracks  and  passes  through  the  mountains. 
Had  we,  therefore,  insisted  on  more  rigorous  terms  than  those 
granted,  the  result  would  have  been  the  escape  of  the  body  of  the 
Mexican  force,  with  the  destruction  of  its  artillery  and  magazines, 
our  only  advantage  being  the  capture  of  a  few  prisoners  of  war,  at 
the  expense  of  valuable  lives  and  much  damage  to  the  city.  The 
consideration  of  humanity  was  present  to  my  mind  during  the  con 
ference  which  led  to  the  convention,  and  outweighed,  in  my  judg 
ment,  the  doubtful  advantages  to  be  gained  by  a  resumption  of  the 
attack  upon  the  town.  This  conclusion  has  been  fully  confirmed 
by  an  inspection  of  the  enemy's  position  and  means  since  the  sur- 

C 


52  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY   TAYLOR. 

render.  It  was  discovered  that  his  principal  magazine,  containing 
an  immense  amount  of  powder,  was  in  the  Cathedral,  completely 
exposed  to  our  shells  from  two  directions.  The  explosion  of  this 
mass  of  powder,  which  must  have  ultimately  resulted  from  a  con 
tinuance  of  the  bombardment,  would  have  been  infinitely  disastrous, 
involving  the  destruction  not  only  of  Mexican  troops,  but  of  non- 
combatants,  and  even  our  own  people,  had  we  pressed  the  attack. 

"  In  regard  to  the  temporary  cessation  of  hostilities,  the  fact  that 
we  are  not  at  this  moment,  within  eleven  days  of  the  termination  of 
the  period  fixed  by  the  convention,  prepared  to  move  forward  in 
force,  is  a  sufficient  explanation  of  the  military  reasons  which  dic 
tated  this  suspension  of  arms.  It  paralyzed  the  enemy  during  a 
period  when,  from  the  want  of  necessary  means,  we  could  not  pos 
sibly  move.  I  desire  distinctly  to  state,  and  to  call  the  attention  of 
the  authorities  to  the  fact,  that,  with  all  diligence  in  breaking  mules 
and  setting  up  wagons,  the  first  wagons  in  addition  to  our  original 
train  from  Corpus  Christi,  (and  but  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  in 
number,)  reached  my  head-quarters  on  the  same  day  with  the  sec 
retary's  communication  of  October  13th,  viz :  the  2d  inst.  At  the 
date  of  the  surrender  of  Monterey,  our  force  had  not  more  than  ten 
days'  rations,  and  even  now,  with  all  our  endeavours,  we  have  not 
more  than  twenty-five.  THE  TASK  OF  FIGHTING  AND  BEATING  THE 

ENEMY  IS  AMONG  THE   LEAST  DIFFICULT  THAT  WE    ENCOUNTER the 

great  question  of  supplies  necessarily  controls  all  the  operations  in  a 
country  like  this.  At  the  date  of  the  convention,  I  could  not  of 
course  have  foreseen  that  the  Department  would  direct  an  important 
detachment  from  my  command  without  consulting  me,  or  without 
waiting  the  result  of  the  main  operation  under  my  orders. 

"  I  have  touched  the  prominent  military  points  involved  in  the 
convention  of  Monterey.  There  were  other  considerations  which 
weighed  with  the  commissioners  in  framing,  and  with  myself  in  ap 
proving  the  articles  of  the  convention.  In  the  conference  with 
General  Ampudia,  I  was  distinctly  told  by  him  that  he  had  invited 
it  to  spare  the  further  effusion  of  blood,  and  because  General  Santa 
Anna  had  declared  himself  favourable  to  peace.  I  knew  that  our 
government  had  made  propositions  to  that  of  Mexico  to  negotiate, 
and  I  deemed  that  the  change  of  government  in  that  country  since 
my  instructions,  fully  warranted  me  in  entertaining  considerations 
of  policy.  My  grand  motive  in  moving  forward  with  very  limHed 


COLONEL  DAVIS  DEFENDS  THE  CAPITULATION.   53 

supplies  had  been  to  increase  the  inducements  of  the  Mexican  gov 
ernment  to  negotiate  for  peace.  Whatever  may  be  the  actual  views 
or  disposition  of  the  Mexican  rulers  or  of  General  Santa  Anna,  it  is 
not  unknown  to  the  government  that  I  had  the  very  best  reason  for 
believing  the  statement  of  General  Ampudia  to  be  true.  It  was  my 
opinion  at  the  time  of  the  convention,  and  it  has  not  been  changed, 
that  the  liberal  treatment  of  the  Mexican  army,  and  the  suspension 
of  arms,  would  exert  none  but  a  favourable  influence  in  our  behalf. 

"  The  result  of  the  entire  operation  has  been  to  throw  the  Mexi 
can  army  back  more  than  three  hundred  miles  to  the  city  of  San 
Luis  Potosi,  and  to  open  the  country  to  us  as  far  as  we  choose  to 
penetrate  it  up  to  the  same  point. 

"  It  has  been  my  purpose  in  this  communication  not  so  much  to 
defend  the  convention  from  the  censure  which  I  deeply  regret  to 
find  implied  in  the  secretary's  letter,  as  to  show  that  it  was  not 
adopted  without  cogent  reasons,  most  of  which  occur  of  themselves 
to  the  minds  of  all  who  are  acquainted  with  the  condition  of  things 
here.  To  that  end  I  beg  that  it  may  be  laid  before  the  General-in- 
chief  and  Secretary  of  War." 

Colonel  Jefferson  Davis,  one  of  the  American  commissioners  to 
negotiate  the  capitulation,  speaks  as  follows  on  the  same  point : — 

"  It  is  demonstrable,  from  the  position  and  known  prowess  of  the 
two  armies,  that  we  could  drive  the  enemy  from  the  town ;  but  the 
town  was  untenable  whilst  the  main  fort  (called  the  new  citadel) 
remained  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  Being  without  siege  artillery 
or  entrenching  tools,  we  could  only  hope  to  carry  this  fort  by  storm, 
after  a  heavy  loss  from  our  army ;  which,  isolated  in  a  hostile  coun 
try,  now  numbered  less  than  half  the  forces  of  the  enemy.  When 
all  this  had  been  achieved,  what  more  would  we  have  gained  than 
by  the  capitulation  ? 

"  General  Taylor's  force  was  too  small  to  invest  the  town.  It 
was,  therefore,  always  in  the  power  of  the  enemy  to  retreat,  bear 
ing  his  light  arms.  Our  army,  poorly  provided,  and  with  very  in 
sufficient  transportation,  could  not  have  overtaken,  if  they  had  pur 
sued  the  flying  enemy.  Hence  the  conclusion,  that  as  it  was  not 
in  our  power  to  capture  the  main  body  of  the  Mexican  army,  it  is 
unreasonable  to  suppose  their  general  would  have  surrendered  at 
discretion.  The  moral  effect  of  retiring  under  the  capitulation  was 
certainly  greater  than  if  the  enemy  had  retired  without  our  consent 
5* 


54  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY   TAYLOR. 

By  this  course  we  secured  the  large  supply  of  ammunition  he  had 
collected  in  Monterey— which,  had  the  assault  been  continued,  must 
have  been  exploded  by  our  shells,  as  it  was  principally  stored  in  the 
*  Cathedral,'  which,  being  supposed  to  be  filled  with  troops,  was  the 
especial  aim  of  our  pieces.  The  destruction  which  this  explosion 
would  have  produced  must  have  involved  the  advance  of  both  divi 
sions  of  our  troops ;  and  I  commend  this  to  the  contemplation  of 
those  whose  arguments  have  been  drawn  from  facts  learned  since 
the  commissioners  closed  their  negotiations." 

Such  was  also  the  opinion  of  General  Worth,  and  such  has  been 
the  decision  of  the  American  people. 

General  Taylor  now  established  his  head-quarters  at  Monterey 
despatching  General  Worth  with  twelve  hundred  men  and  eight 
pieces  of  artillery  to  Saltillo,  and  Brigadier-General  Wool,  who  had 
just  arrived  from  his  expedition  into  the  centre,  with  his  column  of 
twenty-four  hundred  men  and  six  pieces  toward  the  town  of  Parras. 
General  Butler  took  command  of  the  reserve  during  the  absence  of 
General  Patterson.  The  whole  army  did  not  exceed  forty-five  hun 
dred  men.  Even  this  small  number  was  still  further  reduced  by 
sickness  and  other  causes. 

Meanwhile  a  revolution  at  the  capital  had  placed  General  Santa 
Anna  at  the  head  of  Mexican  affairs.  Instead  of  assuming  the 
presidential  chair,  to  which  he  was  invited,  this  active  officer  placed 
himself  at  the  head  of  the  army,  and  commenced  the  most  exten 
sive  preparations  for  organizing  a  force  sufficient  to  resist  the 
further  progress  of  General  Taylor.  His  movements  attracted  the 
notice  of  the  American  government,  which  immediately  transmitted 
orders  to  Taylor  to  terminate  the  armistice. 

In  order  to  raise  supplies  for  the  army,  the  Secretary  of  War  in 
structed  Taylor  to  reson  to  the  miserable  system  of  forced  contribu 
tions  upon  the  inhabitants.  Part  of  his  instructions  to  this  effect 
were  as  follows : 

"  It  is  far  from  being  certain  that  our  military  occupation  of  the 
enemy's  country  is  not  a  blessing  to  the  inhabitants  in  the  vicinity. 
They  are  shielded  from  the  burdens  and  exactions  of  their  own  au 
thorities,  protected  in  their  persons,  and  furnished  with  a  most  pro 
fitable  market  for  most  kinds  of  their  property.  A  state  of  things 
so  favourable  to  their  interests  may  induce  them  to  wish  the  con 
tinuance  of  hostilities. 


INSTRUCTIONS   CONCERNING   SUPPLIES.  55 

"  The  instructions  heretofore  given  have  required  you  to  treat 
with  great  kindness  the  people,  to  respect  private  property,  and  to 
abstain  from  appropriating  it  to  the  public  use,  without  purchase  at 
a  fair  price.  In  some  respects,  this  is  going  far  beyond  the  common 
requirements  of  civilized  warfare.  An  invading  army  has  the  un 
questionable  right  to  draw  its  supplies  from  the  enemy  without  pay 
ing  for  them,  and  to  require  contributions  for  its  support.  It  may 
be  proper,  and  good  policy  requires  that  discriminations  should  be 
made  in  imposing  these  burdens.  Those  who  are  friendly  disposed 
or  contribute  aid  should  be  treated  with  liberality ;  yet  the  enemy 
may  be  made  to  feel  the  weight  of  the  war,  and  thereby  become 
interested  to  use  their  best  efforts  to  bring  about  a  state  of  peace. 

"  It  is  also  but  just  that  a  nation  which  is  involved  in  a  war,  to 
obtain  justice  or  to  maintain  its  just  rights,  should  shift  the  burden  of 
it,  as  far  as  practicable,  from  itself,  by  throwing  it  upon  the  enemy. 

«*  Upon  the  liberal  principles  of  civilized  warfare,  either  of  three 
modes  may  be  pursued  in  relation  to  obtaining  supplies  from  the 
enemy ;  first  to  purchase  them  on  such  terms  as  the  inhabitants  of 
the  country  may  choose  to  exact ;  second,  to  pay  a  fair  price  with 
out  regard  to  the  enhanced  value  resulting  from  the  presence  of  a 
foreign  army ;  and  third,  to  require  them  as  contributions,  without 
paying  or  engaging  to  pay  therefor. 

"  The  last  mode  is  the  ordinary  one,  and  you  are  instructed  to 
adopt  it,  if  in  that  way  you  are  satisfied  you  can  get  abundant  sup 
plies  for  your  forces  ;  but  should  you  apprehend  a  difficulty  in  this 
respect,  then  you  will  adopt  the  policy  of  paying  the  ordinary  price, 
without  allowing  to  the  owners  the  advantages  of  the  enhancement 
of  the  price  resulting  from  the  increased  demand.  Should  you  ap 
prehend  a  deficiency  under  this  last  mode  of  dealing  with  the  in 
habitants,  you  will  be  obliged  to  submit  to  their  exactions,  provided 
by  this  mode  you  can  supply  your  wants  on  better  terms  than  by 
drawing  what  you  may  need  from  the  United  States.  Should  you 
attempt  to  supply  your  troops  by  contributions,  or  the  appropriation 
of  private  property,  you  will  be  careful  to  exempt  the  property  of 
all  foreigners  from  any  and  all  exactions  whatsoever.  The  Presi 
dent  hopes  you  will  be  able  to  derive  from  the  enemy's  country, 
without  expense  to  the  United  States,  the  supplies  you  may  need, 
or  a  considerable  part  of  them ;  but  should  you  fail  in  this,  yon  will 
procure  them  in  the  most  economical  manner." 


56  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY   TAYLOR. 

To  these  suggestions  General  Taylor  replied,  that  it  would  have 
been  impossible  before  and  was  then  to  sustain  the  army  to  any 
extent  by  forced  contributions  of  money  or  supplies.  The  country 
between  the  Rio  Grande  and  Sierra  Mad  re  being  poor,  furnishing 
only  corn  and  beef,  these  articles  were  obtained  at  moderate  rates ; 
but  if  a  different  system  had  been  adopted,  it  was  certain  that  they 
would  not  have  been  procured  at  all  in  sufficient  quantities.  The 
prompt  payment  in  cash,  for  the  few  articles  of  supply  drawn  from 
the  country,  neutralized  much  of  the  unfriendly  feeling  with  which 
the  army  was  regarded,  and  contributed  greatly  to  facilitate  opera 
tions.  The  people  had  it  in  their  power  at  any  time  to  destroy 
their  crops,  and  would  undoubtedly  have  done  so,  rather  than  see 
them  taken  forcibly.  Added  to  which  they  would  have  had  no 
inducements  to  plant  again.  The  prices  paid  were  reasonable, 
being  in  almost  all  cases  the  prices  of  the  country. 

On  the  15th  of  December,  General  Taylor  left  Monterey  for  Vic 
toria;  but  on  arriving  at  Montemorelos  he  received  information 
from  General  Worth,  that  Santa  Anna  designed  taking  advantage  of 
the  diversion  of  force  toward  Victoria,  by  a  rapid  movement  strike  a 
heavy  blow  at  Saltillo,  and  if  successful,  another  at  General  Wool 
in  Parras.  In  view  of  this  intelligence,  the  commander  thought 
proper  to  return  to  Monterey  with  the  regular  force,  and  thus  be  in 
ti  position  to  reinforce  Saltillo  if  necessary.  This  was  accordingly 
done,  while  at  the  same  time  Generals  Butler  and  Wool  hastened 
forward  to  join  General  Worth.  On  the  20th,  General  Taylor 
received  further  information,  that  the  expected  attack  on  Saltillo 
had  not  taken  place,  and  accordingly  he  resumed  his  march  for 
Victoria. 

On  the  29th,  General  Quitman  entered  Victoria  without  opposi 
tion.  A  body  of  fifteen  hundred  cavalry  had  been  stationed  there, 
but  fell  back  at  the  approach  of  the  Americans.  On  the  4th  of 
January,  Taylor  arrived  there  with  General  Twiggs'  division,  and 
on  the  same  day  was  joined  by  the  force  brought  by  General  Pat 
terson  from  Matamoras. 

About  this  time  General  Taylor  received  from  Major-General 
Scott,  a  demand  for  the  greater  portion  of  his  troops,  in  order  to 
assist  in  the  contemplated  operations  on  the  Gulf  coast.  Scott  had 
been  appointed  to  supersede  Taylor  in  the  command  of  the  army  in 
Mexico,  and  finding  his  force  inadequate  to  an  attack  on  Vera  Cruz, 


TAYLOR  DEPRIVED  OF  HIS  TROOPS.       57 

the  first  object  of  the  campaign,  he  was  obliged  to  increase  it  by  a 
draft  from  his  brother  officer.  The  following  is  an  extract  of  his 
letter :  — 

"  But,  my  dear  general,  I  shall  be  obliged  to  take  from  you  most 
of  the  gallant  officers  and  men  (regulars  and  volunteers)  whom  you 
have  so  long  and  so  nobly  commanded.  I  am  afraid  that  I  shall, 
by  imperious  necessity  —  the  approach  of  yellow  fever  on  the  gulf 
coast  —  reduce  you,  for  a  time,  to  stand  on  the  defensive.  This 
will  be  infinitely  painful  to  you,  and,  for  that  reason,  distressing  to 
me.  But  I  rely  upon  your  patriotism  to  submit  to  the  temporary 
sacrifice  with  cheerfulness.  No  man  can  better  afford  to  do  so. 
Recent  victories  place  you  on  that  high  eminence  ;  and  I  even  flat 
ter  myself  that  any  benefit  that  may  result  to  me,  personally,  from 
the  unequal  division  of  troops  alluded  to,  will  lessen  the  pain  of  your 
consequent  inactivity. 

"  You  will  be  aware  of  the  recent  call  for  nine  regiments  of  new 
volunteers,  including  one  of  Texas  horse.  The  president  may  soon 
ask  for  many  more ;  and  we  are  not  without  hope  that  Congress 
may  add  ten  or  twelve  to  the  regular  establishment.  These,  by  the 
spring,  say  April,  may,  by  the  aid  of  large  bounties,  be  in  the 
field  —  should  Mexico  not  earlier  propose  terms  of  accommodation ; 
and,  long  before  the  spring  (March),  it  is  probable  you  will  be  again 
in  force  to  resume  offensive  operations." 

In  obedience  to  this  command,  almost  all  the  regular  troops,  com 
prising  the  divisions  of  Generals  Worth  and  Patterson,  the  brigades 
of  Gluitman  and  Twiggs,  and  all  other  corps  which  could  possibly 
be  drawn  from  the  field  of  operations  around  the  Rio  Grande,  were 
ordered  to  Vera  Cruz.  Five  hundred  regulars  were  left,  together 
with  four  thousand  five  hundred  newly  arrived  volunteers. 

At  parting  with  his  veteran  companions  General  Taylor  delivered 
the  following  brief  but  admirable  address  : 

"  It  is  with  deep  sensibility  that  the  commanding  general  finds 
himself  separated  from  the  troops  he  so  long  commanded.  To 
those  corps,  regular  and  volunteers,  who  have  shared  with  him  the 
active  services  of  the  field,  he  feels  the  attachment  due  to  such  asso 
ciations,  while  to  those  who  are  making  their  first  campaign,  he 
must  express  his  regret  that  he  cannot  participate  with  them  in  its 
eventful  scenes.  To  all,  both  officers  and  men,  he  extends  his 
heart-felt  wishes  for  their  continued  success  and  happiness,  confi- 


58  MAJOR-GENERAL    ZACHARY    TAYLOR. 

dent  that  their  achievements  on  another  theatre  will  redound  to  the 
credit  of  their  country  and  its  arms." 

After  the  departure  of  his  troops,  General  Taylor  again  retired 
to  Monterey,  where  he  remained  until  apprised  of  the  certain  ap 
proach  of  Santa  Anna.  He  then  pushed  forward  to  Agua  Nueva, 
twenty  miles  south  of  Saltillo,  where  he  remained  until  the  21st  of 
February.  Learning  that  the  Mexicans  were  advancing  in  great 
force,  he  fell  back  twelve  miles  nearer  Saltillo,  to  the  defile  called 
Angostura,  which  faces  the  hacienda  of  Buena  Vista.  Here,  with 
his  little  army  of  five  thousand  men,  he  awaited  the  arrival  of  twenty 
thousand. 

On  the  23d  of  February,  the  anniversary  of  Washington's  birth 
day,  the  Mexican  host  were  seen  approaching  over  the  distant  hills. 
It  was  a  glorious  spectacle,  and  even  those  who  had  never  faced  an 
enemy,  felt  their  bosoms  bounding  with  courage  and  enthusiasm, 
as  the  glittering  masses  of  Santa  Anna's  cavalry  poured  down  into 
the  plains  below.  All  fear  was  flung  to  the  wind ;  silently  and 
sternly  that  little  band  gathered  round  its  leader  and  waited  the  fear 
ful  shock. 

Angostura  is  a  position  of  remarkable  natural  strength.  The 
main  road  from  Saltillo  to  San  Luis  there  passes  between  closely 
approximating  chains  of  mountains.  The  bases  of  these  mountains 
are  cut  by  occasional  torrents  of  rain  into  numerous  deep  gullies, 
almost  impassable,  owing  to  the  ruggedness  and  steepness  of  the 
banks,  leaving  between  them  elevated  table-lands  or  plateaus  of 
various  extent.  The  American  army  was  drawn  up  nearly  at  right 
angles  to  the  road,  its  chief  force  being  on  the  east  of  it,  occupying 
a  large  plateau  commanding  the  mountain  side.  Facing  the  south 
this  force  constituted  the  left  wing.  A  battery  of  light  artillery  oc 
cupied  the  road,  and  the  right  wing  rested  on  the  opposite  hill. 

At  about  noon  on  the  21st,  a  white  flag  was  brought  to  General 
Taylor,  with  the  following  communication  from  Santa  Anna: 

"  You  are  surrounded  by  twenty  thousand  men,  and  cannot  in 
any  human  probability  avoid  suffering  a  rout,  and  being  cut  to  pieces 
with  your  troops ;  but  as  you  deserve  consideration  and  particular 
esteem,  I  wish  to  save  you  from  a  catastrophe,  and  for  that  purpose 
give  you  this  notice,  in  order  that  you  may  surrender  at  discretion, 
under  the  assurance  that  you  will  be  treated  with  the  consideration 
belonging  to  the  Mexican  character;  to  which  end  you  will  be 


BATTLE-GROUND  AND  VICINITY 

OF 


YES3PA. 

FEBRUARY    22d    AND    23d,    1847. 


REFERENCES. 

A.  Right  of  the  American  Army. 

B.  Battery  of  light  artillery  posted  on  the  road. 

C.  Left  of  the  American  Army  on  tne  -'platean." 

D.  D.  Mexican  Army  before  the  battle  on  the  224. 

C  *  (59) 


60  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY   TAYLOR. 

granted  an  hour's  time  to  make  up  your  mind,  to  commence  from 
the  moment  when  my  flag  of  truce  arrives  in  your  camp. 

"With  this  view  I  assure  you  of  my  particular  consideration." 

General  Taylor  replied  as  follows : 

"In  reply  to  your  note  of  this  date,  summoning  me  to  surrender 
my  forces  at  discretion,  I  beg  leave  to  say  that  I  decline  acceding 
to  your  request. 

"  With  high  respect,  I  am,  sir,  your  obedient  servant." 

We  give  an  account  of  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista  in  General 
Taylor's  own  words,  as  contained  in  his  official  despatch  to  govern 
ment  : — 

"The  information  which  reached  me  of  the  advance  and  concen 
tration  of  a  heavy  Mexican  force  in  my  front,  had  assumed  such  a 
probable  form,  as  to  induce  a  special  examination  far  beyond  the 
reach  of  our  pickets,  to  ascertain  its  correctness.  A  small  party  of 
Texan  spies,  under  Major  McCulloch,  despatched  to  the  hacienda 
of  Encarnacion,  thirty  miles  from  this,  on  the  route  to  San  Luis 
Potosi,  had  reported  a  cavalry  force  of  unknown  strength  at  that 
place.  On  the  20th  of  February,  a  strong  reconnoissance  under 
Lieutenant-Colonel  May  was  despatched  to  the  hacienda  of  Hecli- 
onda,  while  Major  McCullough  made  another  examination  of  Encar 
nacion.  The  result  of  these  expeditions  left  no  doubt  that  the 
enemy  was  in  large  force  at  Encarnacion,  under  the  orders  of  Gen 
eral  Santa  Anna,  and  that  he  meditated  a  forward  movement  and 
attack  upon  our  position. 

"As  the  camp  of  Agua  Nueva  could  be  turned  on  either  flank, 
and  as  the  enemy's  force  was  greatly  superior  to  our  own,  particu 
larly  in  the  arm  of  cavalry,  I  determined,  after  much  consideration, 
to  take  up  a  position  about  eleven  miles  in  rear,  and  there  await  the 
attack.  The  army  broke  up  its  camp  and  marched  at  noon  on  the 
21st,  encamping  at  the  new  position  a  little  in  front  of  the  hacienda 
of  Buena  Vista.  With  a  small  force  I  proceeded  to  Saltillo,  to  make 
some  necessary  arrangements  for  the  defence  of  the  town,  jeaving 
Brigadier-General  Wool  in  the  immediate  command  of  the  troops. 

"  Before  those  arrangements  were  completed,  on  the  morning  of 
tne  22d,  I  was  advised  that  the  enemy  was  in  sight,  advancing. 
Upon  reaching  the  ground,  it  was  found  that  his  cavalry  advance 
was  in  our  front,  having  marched  from  Encarnacion,  as  we  have 
si*)ce  learned,  at  11  o'clock  on  the  day  previous,  and  driving  in  a 


BATTLE   OF   BUENA    VISTA.  61 

mounted  force  left  at  Agua  Nueva  to  cover  the  removal  of  public 
stores.  Our  troops  were  in  position,  occupying  a  line  of  remarkable 
strength.  The  road  at  this  point  becomes  a  narrow  defile,  the  val 
ley  on  its  right  being  rendered  quite  impracticable  for  artillery  by  a 
system  of  deep  and  impassable  gullies,  while  on  the  left  a  succes 
sion  of  rugged  ridges  and  precipitous  ravines  extends  far  back  toward 
the  mountain  which  bounds  the  valley.  The  features  of  the  ground 
were  such  as  nearly  to  paralyze  the  artillery  and  cavalry  of  the 
enemy,  while  his  infantry  could  not  derive  all  the  advantage  of  its 
numerical  superiority.  In  this  position  we  prepared  to  receive  him. 
Captain  Washington's  battery  (4th  artillery)  was  posted  to  command 
the  road,  while  the  1st  and  2d  Illinois  regiments,  under  Colonels 
Hardin  and  Bissell,  each  eight  companies  (to  the  latter  of  which 
was  attached  Captain  Conner's  company  of  Texas  volunteers,)  and 
the  2d  Kentucky,  under  Colonel  McKee,  occupied  the  crests  of  the 
ridges  on  the  left  and  in  rear.  The  Arkansas  and  Kentucky  regi 
ments  of  cavalry,  commanded  by  Colonels  Yell  and  H.  Marshall, 
occupied  the  extreme  left  near  the  base  of  the  mountain,  while  the 
Indiana  brigade,  under  Brigadier-General  Lane  (composed  of  the 
2d  and  3d  regiments,  under  Colonels  Bowles  and  Lane),  the  Missis 
sippi  riflemen,  under  Colonel  Davis,  the  squadrons  of  the  1st  and  2d 
dragoons,  under  Captain  Steen  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  May,  and 
the  light  batteries  of  Captains  Sherman  and  Bragg,  3d  artillery,  were 
held  in  reserve. 

"  At  eleven  o'clock  I  received  from  General  Santa  Anna  a  sum 
mons  to  surrender  at  discretion,  which,  with  a  copy  of  my  reply,  I 
have  already  transmitted.  The  enemy  still  forbore  his  attack,  evi 
dently  waiting  for  the  arrival  of  his  rear  columns,  which  could  be 
distinctly  seen  by  our  look-outs  as  they  approached  the  field.  A 
demonstration  made  on  his  left  caused  me  to  detach  the  2d  Ken 
tucky  regiment  and  a  section  of  artillery  to  our  right,  in  which  posi 
tion  they  bivouacked  for  the  night.  In  the  mean  time  the  Mexican 
light  troops  had  engaged  ours  on  the  extreme  left  (composed  of  parts 
of  the  Kentucky  and  Arkansas  cavalry  dismounted,  and  a  rifle  bat 
talion  from  the  Indiana  brigade,  under  Major  Gorman,  the  whole 
commanded  by  Colonel  Marshall),  and  kept  up  a  sharp  fire,  climb 
ing  the  mountain  side,  and  apparently  endeavouring  to  gain  our 
flank.  Three  pieces  of  Captain  Washington's  battery  had  been  de 
tached  to  the  left,  and  were  supported  by  the  2d  Indiana  regiment. 
6 


62  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY    TAYLOR. 

An  occasional  shell  was  thrown  by  the  enemy  into  this  part  of  our 
line,  but  without  effect.  The  skirmishing  of  the  light  troops  was 
kept  up  with  trifling  loss  on  our  part  until  dark,  when  I  became 
convinced  that  no  serious  attack  would  be  made  before  the  morning, 
and  returned,  with  the  Mississippi  regiment  and  squadron  of  2d 
dragoons,  to  Saltillo.  The  troops  bivouacked  without  fires,  and  laid 
upon  their  arms.  A  body  of  cavalry,  some  fifteen  hundred  strong, 
had  been  visible  all  day  in  rear  of  the  town,  having  entered  the  val 
ley  through  a  narrow  pass  east  of  the  city.  This  cavalry,  com 
manded  by  General  Minon,  had  evidently  been  thrown  in  our  rear 
to  break  up  and  harass  our  retreat,  and  perhaps  make  some  attempt 
against  the  town  if  practicable.  The  city  was  occupied  by  four  ex 
cellent  companies  of  Illinois  volunteers,  under  Major  Warren  of  the 
1st  regiment.  A  field-work,  which  commanded  most  of  the  ap 
proaches,  was  garrisoned  by  Captain  Webster's  company,  1st  artil 
lery,  and  armed  with  two  24-pound  howitzers,  while  the  train  and 
head-quarter  camp  was  guarded  by  two  companies  of  Mississippi 
riflemen,  under  Captain  Rogers,  and  a  field-piece  commanded  by 
Captain  Shover,  3d  artillery.  Having  made  these  dispositions  for 
the  protection  of  the  rear,  I  proceeded  on  the  morning  of  the  23d  to 
Buena  Vista,  ordering  forward  all  the  other  available  troops.  The 
action  had  commenced  before  my  arrival  on  the  field. 

"  During  the  evening  and  night  of  the  22d  the  enemy  had  thrown 
a  body  of  light  troops  on  the  mountain  side,  with  the  purpose  of 
outflanking  our  left ;  and  it  was  here  that  the  action  of  the  23d 
commenced  at  an  early  hour.  Our  riflemen,  under  Colonel  Mar 
shall,  who  had  been  reinforced  by  three  companies  under  Major 
Trail,  2d  Illinois  volunteers,  maintained  their  ground  handsomely 
against  a  greatly  superior  force,  holding  themselves  under  cover,  and 
using  their  weapons  with  deadly  effect.  About  eight  o'clock  a 
strong  demonstration  was  made  against  the  centre  of  our  position,  a 
heavy  column  moving  along  the  road.  This  force  was  soon  dis 
persed  by  a  few  rapid  and  well-directed  shots  from  Captain  Wash 
ington's  battery.  In  the  mean  time  the  enemy  was  concentrating 
a  large  force  of  infantry  and  cavalry  under  cover  of  the  ridges,  with 
the  obvious  intention  of  forcing  our  left,  which  was  posted  on  an 
extensive  plateau.  The  2d  Indiana  and  2d  Illinois  regiments  formed 
this  part  of  our  line,  the  former  covering  three  pieces  of  light  artil 
lery,  under  the  orders  of  Captain  O'Brien — Brigadier-General  Lane 


(64) 


BATTLE    OF    BUENA    VISTA.  65 

being  in  the  immediate  command.  In  order  to  bring  his  men  with 
in  effective  range,  General  Lane  ordered  the  artillery  and  2d  In 
diana  regiment  forward.  The  artillery  advanced  within  musket 
range  of  a  heavy  body  of  Mexican  infantry,  and  was  served  against 
it  with  great  effect,  but  without  being  able  to  check  its  advance. 
The  infantry  ordered  to  its  support  had  fallen  back  in  disorder,  being 
exposed,  as  well  as  the  battery,  not  only  to  a  severe  fire  of  small 
arms  from  the  front,  but  also  to  a  murderous  cross-fire  of  grape  and 
canister  from  a  Mexican  battery  on  the  left.  Captain  O'Brien  found 
it  impossible  to  retain  his  position  without  support,  but  was  only  able 
to  withdraw  two  of  his  pieces,  all  the  horses  and  cannoneers  of  the 
third  piece  being  killed  or  disabled.  The  2d  Indiana  regiment, 
which  had  fallen  back  as  stated,  could  not  be  rallied,  and  took  no 
farther  part  in  the  action,  except  a  handful  of  men,  who,  under  its 
gallant  colonel,  Bowles,  joined  the  Mississippi  regiment,  and  did 
good  service,  and  those  fugitives  who,  at  a  later  period  in  the  day, 
assisted  in  defending  the  train  and  depot  at  Buena  Vista.  This  por 
tion  of  our  line  having  given  way,  and  the  enemy  appearing  in 
overwhelming  force  against  our  left  flank,  the  light  troops  which 
had  rendered  such  good  service  on  the  mountain  were  compelled  to 
withdraw,  which  they  did,  for  the  most  part,  in  good  order.  Many, 
however,  were  not  rallied  until  they  reached  the  depot  at  Buena 
Vista,  to  the  defence  of  which  they  afterward  contributed. 

"Colonel  Bissell's  regiment  (2d  Illinois),  which  had  been  joined 
by  a  section  of  Captain  Sherman's  battery,  had  become  completely 
outflanked,  and  was  compelled  to  fall  back,  being  entirely  unsup 
ported.  The  enemy  was  now  pouring  masses  of  infantry  and 
cavalry  along  the  base  of  the  mountain  on  our  left,  and  was  gaining 
our  rear  in  great  force.  At  this  moment  I  arrived  upon  the  field. 
The  Mississippi  regiment  had  been  directed  to  the  left  before  reach 
ing  the  position,  and  immediately  came  into  action  against  the 
Mexican  infantry  which  had  turned  our  flank.  The  2d  Kentucky 
regiment  and  a  section  of  artillery  under  Captain  Bragg,  had  pre 
viously  been  ordered  from  the  right  to  reinforce  our  left,  and  arrived 
at  a  most  opportune  moment.  That  regiment,  and  a  portion  of  the 
1st  Illinois,  under  Colonel  Hardin,  gallantly  drove  the  enemy,  and 
recovered  a  portion  of  the  ground  we  had  lost.  The  batteries  of 
Captains  Sherman  and  Bragg  were  in  position  on  the  plateau,  and 
did  much  execution,  not  only  in  front,  but  particularly  upon  ihe 
G* 


66  MAJOR-GENERAL    ZACHARY    TAYLOR. 

masses  which  had  gained  our  rear.  Discovering  that  the  enemy 
was  heavily  pressing  upon  the  Mississippi  regiment,  the  3d  Indiana 
regiment,  under  Colonel  Lane,  was  despatched  to  strengthen  that 
part  of  our  line,  which  formed  a  crotchet  perpendicular  to  the  first 
line  of  battle.  At  the  same  time  Lieutenant  Kilburn,  with  a  piece 
of  Captain  Bragg's  battery,  was  directed  to  support  the  infantry 
there  engaged.  The  action  was  for  a  long  time  warmly  sustained 
at  that  point — the  enemy  making  several  efforts  both  with  infantry 
and  cavalry  against  our  line,  and  being  always  repulsed  with  heavy 
loss.  I  had  placed  all  the  regular  cavalry  and  Captain  Pike's 
squadron  of  Arkansas  horse  under  the  orders  of  Brevet  Lieutenant- 
Colonel-May,  with  directions  to  hold  in  cheek  the  enemy's  column, 
still  advancing  to  the  rear  along  the  base  of  the  mountain,  which 
was  done  in  conjunction  with  the  Kentucky  and  Arkansas  cavalry 
under  Colonels  Marshall  and  Yell. 

"  In  the  mean  time  our  left,  which  was  still  strongly  threatened 
by  a  superior  force,  was  farther  strengthened  by  the  detachment  of 
Captain  Bragg's,  and  a  portion  of  Captain  Sherman's  batteries  to 
that  quarter.  The  concentration  of  artillery  fire  upon  the  masses 
of  the  enemy  along  the  base  of  the  mountain,  and  the  determined 
resistance  offered  by  the  two  regiments  opposed  to  them,  had  created 
confusion  in  their  ranks,  and  some  of  the  corps  attempted  to  effect 
a  retreat  upon  their  main  line  of  battle.  The  squadron  of  the  1st 
dragoons,  under  Lieutenant  Rucker,  was  now  ordered  up  the  deep 
ravine  which  these  retreating  corps  were  endeavouring  to  cross,  in 
order  to  charge  and  disperse  them.  The  squadron  proceeded  to 
the  point  indicated,  but  could  not  accomplish  the  object,  being  ex 
posed  to  a  heavy  fire  from  a  battery  established  to  cover  the  retreat 
of  those  corps.  While  the  squadron  was  detached  on  this  service, 
a  large  body  of  the  enemy  was  observed  to  concentrate  on  our  ex 
treme  left,  apparently  with  the  view  of  making  a  descent  upon  the 
hacienda  of  Buena  Vista,  where  our  train  and  baggage  were  de 
posited.  Lieutenant-Colonel  May  was  ordered  to  the  support  of 
that  point,  with  two  pieces  of  Captain  Sherman's  battery  under 
Lieutenant  Reynolds.  In  the  mean  time,  the  scattered  forces  near 
*he  hacienda,  composed  in  part  of  Majors  Trail  and  Gorman's  com 
mands,  had  been  to  some  extent  organized  under  the  advice  of 
Major  Monroe,  chief  of  artillery,  with  the  assistance  of  Major  Mor- 
'  rison,  volunteer  staff,  and  were  posted  to  defend  the  position.  Before 


BATTLE    OF   BUENA    VISTA.  67 

our  cavalry  had  reached  the  hacienda,  that  of  the  enemy  had  made 
its  attack ;  having  been  handsomely  met  by  the  Kentucky  and  Ar 
kansas  cavalry  under  Colonels  Marshall  and  Yell.  The  Mexican 
column  immediately  divided,  one  portion  sweeping  by  the  depot, 
where  it  received  a  destructive  fire  from  the  force  which  had  col 
lected  there,  and  then  gaining  the  mountain  opposite,  under  a  fire 
from  Lieutenant  Reynolds's  section,  the  remaining  portion  regaining 
the  base  of  the  mountain  on  our  left.  In  the  charge  at  Buena 
Vista,  Colonel  Yell  fell  gallantly  at  the  head  of  his  regiment ;  we 
also  lost  Adjutant  Vaughan,  of  the  Kentucky  cavalry  —  a  young 
officer  of  much  promise.  Lieutenant-Colonel  May,  who  had  been 
rejoined  by  the  squadron  of  the  1st  dragoons  and  by  portions  of  the 
Arkansas  and  Indiana  troops,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Roane  and 
Major  Gorman,  now  approached  the  base  of  the  mountain,  holding 
in  check  the  right  flank  of  the  enemy,  upon  whose  masses,  crowded 
in  the  narrow  gorges  and  ravines,  our  artillery  was  doing  fearful 
execution. 

"  The  position  of  that  portion  of  the  Mexican  army  which  had 
gained  our  rear  was  now  very  critical,  and  it  seemed  doubtful  whe 
ther  it  could  regain  the  main  body.  At  this  moment  I  received 
from  General  Santa  Anna  a  message  by  a  staff  officer,  desiring  to 
know  what  I  wanted  ?  I  immediately  despatched  Brigadier-General 
Wool  to  the  Mexican  general-in-chief,  and  sent  orders  to  cease 
firing.  Upon  reaching  the  Mexican  lines  General  Wool  could  not 
cause  the  enemy  to  cease  their  fire,  and  accordingly  returned  with 
out  having  an  interview.  The  extreme  right  of  the  enemy  conti 
nued  its  retreat  along  the  base  of  the  mountain,  and  finally,  in 
spite  of  all  our  efforts,  effected  a  junction  with  the  remainder  of 
the  army. 

"  During  the  day,  the  cavalry  of  General  Minon  had  ascended  the 
elevated  plain  above  Saltillo,  and  occupied  the  road  from  the  city  to 
the  field  of  battle,  where  they  intercepted  several  of  our  men. 
Approaching  the  town,  they  were  fired  upon  by  Captain  Webster 
from  the  redoubt  occupied  by  his  company,  and  then  moved  off 
towards  the  eastern  side  of  the  valley,  and  obliquely  towards  Buena 
Vista.  At  this  time,  Captain  Shover  moved  rapidly  forward  with 
his  piece,  supported  by  a  miscellaneous  command  of  mounted  volun 
teers,  and  fired  several  shots  at  the  cavalry  with  great  effect.  They 
were  driven  into  the  ravines  which  lead  to  the  lower  valley,  closely 


G8  MAJOR-GENERAL    ZACHARY    TAYLOR. 

pursued  by  Captain  Shover,  who  was  farther  supported  by  a  piece 
of  Captain  Webster's  battery,  under  Lieutenant  Donaldson,  which 
had  advanced  from  the  redoubt,  supported  by  Captain  Wheeler's 
company  of  Illinois  volunteers.  The  enemy  made  one  or  two 
efforts  to  charge  the  artillery,  but  was  finally  driven  back  in  a  con 
fused  mass,  and  did  not  again  appear  upon  the  plain. 

"  In  the  mean  time,  the  firing  had  partially  ceased  upon  the  princi 
pal  field.  The  enemy  seemed  to  confine  his  efforts  to  the  protection 
of  his  artillery,  and  I  had  left  the  plateau  for  a  moment,  when  I 
was  recalled  thither  by  a  very  heavy  musketry  fire.  On  regaining 
that  position,  I  discovered  that  our  infantry  (Illinois  and  second 
Kentucky)  had  engaged  a  greatly  superior  force  of  the  enemy  — 
evidently  his  reserve  — and  that  they  had  been  overwhelmed  by 
numbers.  The  moment  was  most  critical.  Captain  O'Brien,  with 
two  pieces,  had  sustained  this  heavy  charge  to  the  last,  and  was 
finally  obliged  to  leave  his  guns  on  the  field  —  his  infantry  support 
being  entirely  routed.  Captain  Bragg,  who  had  just  arrived  from 
the  left,  was  ordered  at  once  into  battery.  Without  any  infantry 
to  support  him,  and  at  the  imminent  risk  of  losing  his  guns,  this 
officer  came  rapidly  into  action,  the  Mexican  line  being  but  a  few 
yards  from  the  muzzle  of  his  pieces.  The  first  discharge  of  canistei 
caused  the  enemy  to  hesitate,  the  second  and  third  drove  him  back 
in  disorder,  and  saved  the  day.  The  2d  Kentucky  regiment, 
which  had  advanced  beyond  supporting  distance  in  this  affair,  was 
driven  back  and  closely  pressed  by  the  enemy's  cavalry.  Taking 
a  ravine  which  led  in  the  direction  of  Captain  Washington's  battery, 
their  pursuers  became  exposed  to  his  fire,  which  soon  checked  and 
drove  them  back  with  loss.  In  the  mean  time  the  rest  of  our  artil 
lery  had  taken  position  on  the  plateau,  covered  by  the  Mississippi 
and  3d  Indiana  regiments,  the  former  of  which  had  reached  the 
ground  in  time  to  pour  a  fire  into  the  right  flank  of  the  enemy,  and 
thus  contribute  to  his  repulse.  In  this  last  conflict  we  had  the  mis 
fortune  to  sustain  a  very  heavy  loss.  Colonel  Hardin,  1st  Illinois, 
and  Colonel  McKee  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Clay,  2d  Kentucky 
regiment,  fell  at  this  time  while  gallantly  leading  their  commands. 

"  No  farther  attempt  was  made  by  the  enemy  to  force  our  position, 
and  the  approach  of  night  gave  an  opportunity  to  pay  proper  atten 
tion  to  the  wounded,  and  also  to  refresh  the  soldiers,  who  had  been 
exhausted  by  incessant  watchfulness  and  combat.  Though  the 


BATTLE   OF   BUENA   VISTA.  69 

night  was  severely  cold,  the  troops  were  compelled  for  the  most  to 
bivouac  without  fires,  expecting  that  morning  would  renew  the  con 
flict.  During  the  night  the  wounded  were  removed  to  Saltillo,  and 
every  preparation  made  to  receive  the  enemy,  should  he  again 
attack  our  position.  Seven  fresh  companies  were  drawn  from  the 
town,  and  Brigadier-General  Marshall,  with  a  reinforcement  of 
Kentucky  cavalry  and  four  heavy  guns,  under  Captain  Prentiss, 
first  artillery,  was  near  at  hand,  when  it  was  discovered  that  the 
enemy  had  abandoned  his  position  during  the  night.  Our  scouts 
soon  ascertained  that  he  had  fallen  back  upon  Agua  Nueva.  The 
great  disparity  of  numbers,  and  the  exhaustion  of  our  troops,  ren 
dered  it  inexpedient  and  hazardous  to  attempt  pursuit.  A  staff 
officer  was  despatched  to  General  Santa  Anna  to  negotiate  an  ex 
change  of  prisoners,  which  was  satisfactorily  completed  on  the  fol 
lowing  day.  Our  own  dead  were  collected  and  buried,  and  the 
Mexican  wounded,  of  which  a  large  number  had  been  left  upon  the 
field,  were  removed  to  Saltillo,  and  rendered  as  comfortable  as  cir 
cumstances  would  permit. 

"  On  the  evening  of  the  26th,  a  close  reconnoissance  was  made  of 
the  enemy's  position,  which  was  found  to  be  occupied  only  by  a 
small  body  of  cavalry,  the  infantry  and  artillery  having  retreated  in 
the  direction  of  San  Luis  Potosi.  On  the  27th,  our  troops  resumed 
their  former  camp  at  Agua  Nueva,  the  enemy's  rear-guard  evacu 
ating  the  place  as  we  approached,  leaving  a  considerable  number 
of  wounded.  It  was  my  purpose  to  beat  up  his  quarters  at  Encar- 
nacion  early  the  next  morning,  but  upon  examination,  the  weak 
condition  of  the  cavalry  horses  rendered  it  unadvisable  to  attempt 
so  long  a  march  without  water.  A  command  was  finally  des 
patched  to  Encarnacion,  on  the  1st  of  March,  under  Colonel  Belk- 
nap.  Some  two  hundred  wounded,  and  about  sixty  Mexican 
soldiers  were  found  there,  the  army  having  passed  on  in  the 
direction  of  Matehuala,  with  greatly  reduced  numbers,  and  suffering 
much  from  hunger.  The  dead  and  dying  were  strewed  upon  the 
road,  and  crowded  the  buildings  of  the  hacienda. 

"  The  American  force  engaged  in  the  action  of  Buena  Vista  is 
shown,  by  the  accompanying  field  report,  to  have  been  three  hun 
dred  and  thirty-four  officers,  and  four  thousand  four  hundred  and 
twenty-five  men,  exclusive  of  the  small  command  left  in  and  near 
Saltillo.  Of  this  number,  two  squadrons  of  cavalry  and  three  bat- 


70  MAJOR-GENERAL    ZACHARY    TAYLOR. 

tcries  of  light  artillery,  making  not  more  than  four  hundred  and 
fifty-three  men,  composed  the  only  force  of  regular  troops.  The 
strength  of  the  Mexican  army  is  stated  by  General  Santa  Anna,  in 
his  summons,  to  be  twenty  thousand  ;  and  that  estimate  is  confirmed 
by  all  the  information  since  obtained.  Our  loss  is  two  hundred  and 
sixty-seven  killed,  four  hundred  and  fifty-six  wounded,  and  twenty- 
three  missing.  Of  the  numerous  wounded,  many  did  not  require 
removal  to  the  hospital,  and  it  is  hoped  that  a  comparatively  small 
number  will  be  permanently  disabled.  The  Mexican  loss  in  killed 
and  wounded  may  be  fairly  estimated  at  one  thousand  five  hundred, 
and  will  probably  reach  two  thousand.  At  least  five  hundred  of 
their  killed  were  left  upon  the  field  of  battle.  We  have  no  means 
of  ascertaining  the  number  of  deserters  and  dispersed  men  from 
their  ranks,  but  it  is  known  to  be  very  great. 

"Our  loss  has  been  especially  severe  in  officers,  twenty-eight 
having  been  killed  upon  the  field.  We  have  to  lament  the  death 
of  Captain  George  Lincoln,  Assistant  Adjutant-General,  serving  in 
the  staff  of  General  Wool  —  a  young  officer  of  high  bearing  and 
approved  gallantry,  who  fell  early  in  the  action.  No  Joss  falls  more 
heavily  upon  the  army  in  the  field  than  that  of  Colonels  Hardin  and 
'McKee,  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Clay.  Possessing  in  a  remarkable 
degree  the  confidence  of  their  commands,  and  the  last  two  having 
enjoyed  the  advantage  of  a  military  education,  I  had  looked  particu 
larly  to  them  for  support  in  case  we  met  the  enemy.  I  need  not 
say  that  their  zeal  in  engaging  the  enemy,  and  the  cool  and  stead 
fast  courage  with  which  they  maintained  their  positions  during  the 
day,  fully  realized  my  hopes,  and  caused  me  to  feel  yet  more  sen 
sibly  their  untimely  loss. 

"  I  perform  a  grateful  duty  in  bringing  to  the  notice  of  the  gov 
ernment  the  general  good  conduct  of  the  troops.  Exposed  for  suc 
cessive  nights,  without  fires,  to  the  severity  of  the  weather,  they 
were  ever  prompt  and  cheerful  in  the  discharge  of  every  duty ;  and 
finally  displayed  conspicuous  steadiness  and  gallantry  in  repulsing, 
at  great  odds,  a  disciplined  foe.  While  the  brilliant  success  achieved 
by  their  arms  releases  me  from  the  painful  necessity  of  specifying 
many  cases  of  bad  conduct  before  the  enemy,  I  feel  an  increased 
obligation  to  mention  particular  corps  and  officers,  whose  skill,  cool- 
TOss,  and  gallantry  in  trying  situations,  and  under  a  continued  and 
heavy  fire,  seem  to  merit  particular  notice. 


BATTLE   OF   BUENA   VISTA.  71 

"  To  Brigadier-General  Wool  my  obligations  are  especially  due. 
The  high  state  of  discipline  and  instruction  of  several  of  the  volun 
teer  regiments  was  attained  under  his  command,  and  to  his  vigilance 
and  arduous  service  before  the  action,  and  his  gallantry  and  activity 
on  the  field,  a  large  share  of  our  success  may  justly  be  attributed. 
During  most  of  the  engagement  he  was  in  immediate  command  of 
the  troops  thrown  back  on  our  left  flank.  I  beg  leave  to  recommend 
him  to  the  favourable  notice  of  the  government.  Brigadier-General 
Lane  (slightly  wounded)  was  active  and  zealous  throughout  the  day, 
and  displayed  great  coolness  and  gallantry  before  the  enemy. 

"  The  services  of  the  light  artillery,  always  conspicuous,  were 
more  than  usually  distinguished.  Moving  rapidly  over  the  roughest 
ground,  it  was  always  in  action  at  the  right  place  and  the  right 
time,  and  its  well-directed  fire  dealt  destruction  in  the  masses  of  the 
enemy.  While  I  recommend  to  particular  favour  the  gallant  con 
duct  and  valuable  services  of  Major  Munroe,  chief  of  artillery,  and 
Captains  Washington,  4th  artillery,  and  Sherman  and  Bragg,  3d 
artillery,  commanding  batteries,  I  deem  it  no  more  than  just  to  men 
tion  all  the  subaltern  officers.  They  were  nearly  all  detached  at 
different  times,  and  in  every  situation  exhibited  conspicuous  skill 
and  gallantry.  Captain  O'Brien,  Lieutenants  Brent,  Whiting,  and 
Couch,  4th  artillery,  and  Bryan,  Topographical  Engineers,  (slightly 
wounded,)  were  attached  to  Captain  Washington's  battery.  Lieu 
tenants  Thomas,  Reynolds,  and  French,  3d  artillery,  (severely 
wounded,)  to  that  of  Captain  Sherman ;  and  Captain  Shover  and 
Lieutenant  Kilburn,  3d  artillery,  to  that  of  Captain  Bragg.  Cap 
tain  Shover,  in  conjunction  with  Lieutenant  Donaldson,  1st  artillery, 
rendered  gallant  and  important  service  in  repulsing  the  cavalry  of 
General  Minon.  The  regular  cavalry,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel 
May,  with  which  was  associated  Captain  Pike's  squadron  of  Ar 
kansas  horse,  rendered  useful  service  in  holding  the  enemy  in  check 
and  in  covering  the  batteries  at  several  points.  Captain  Steen,  1st 
dragoons,  was  severely  wounded  early  in  the  day,  while  gallantly 
endeavouring,  with  my  authority,  to  rally  the  troops  which  were 
falling  to  the  rear. 

"The  Mississippi  riflemen,  under  Colonel  Davis,  were  highly 
conspicuous  for  their  gallantry  and  steadiness,  and  sustained  through 
out  the  engagement  the  reputation  of  veteran  troops.  Brought 
into  action  against  an  immensely  superior  force,  they  maintained 


72  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY   TAYLOR. 

themselves  for  a  long  time  unsupported  and  with  heavy  loss,  and 
held  an  important  part  of  the  field  until  reinforced.  Colonel  Davis, 
though  severely  wounded,  remained  in  the  saddle  until  the  close  of 
the  action.  His  distinguished  coolness  and  gallantry  at  the  head 
of  his  regiment  on  this  day  entitle  him  to  the  particular  notice  of 
the  government.  The  3d  Indiana  regiment,  under  Colonel  Lane, 
and  a  fragment  of  the  2d,  under  Colonel  Bowles,  were  associated 
with  the  Mississippi  regiment  during  the  greater  portion  of  the  day, 
and  acquitted  themselves  creditably  in  repulsing  the  attempts  of  the 
enemy  to  break  that  portion  of  our  line.  The  Kentucky  cavalry, 
under  Colonel  Marshall,  rendered  good  service  dismounted,  acting 
as  light  troops  on  our  left,  and  afterward,  with  a  portion  of  the 
Arkansas  regiment,  in  meeting  and  dispersing  the  column  of  cavalry 
at  Buena  Vista.  The  1st  and  2d  Illinois,  and  the  3d  Kentucky 
regiments,  served  immediately  under  my  eye,  and  I  bear  a  willing 
testimony  to  their  excellent  conduct  throughout  the  day.  The  spirit 
and  gallantry  with  which  the  1st  Illinois  and  2d  Kentucky  engaged 
the  enemy  in  the  morning,  restored  confidence  to  that  part  of  the 
field,  while  the  list  of  casualties  will  show  how  much  these  three 
regiments  suffered  in  sustaining  the  heavy  charge  of  the  enemy  in 
the  afternoon.  Captain  Conner's  company  of  Texas  volunteers, 
attached  to  the  2d  Illinois  regiment,  fought  bravely,  its  captain  being 
wounded  and  two  subalterns  killed.  Colonel  Bissell,  the  only  sur 
viving  colonel  of  these  regiments,  merits  notice  for  his  coolness  and 
bravery  on  this  occasion.  After  the  fall  of  the  field-officers  of  the 
1st  Illinois  and  2d  Kentucky  regiments,  the  command  of  the  former 
devolved  upon  Lieutenant-Colonel  Weatherford ;  that  of  the  latter 
upon  Major  Fry. 

"Regimental  commanders  and  others  who  have  rendered  reports, 
speak  in  general  terms  of  the  good  conduct  of  their  officers  and  men, 
and  have  specified  many  names,  but  the  limits  of  this  report  forbid  a 
recapitulation  of  them  here.  I  may,  however,  mention  Lieutenants 
Rucker  and  Campbell  of  the  dragoons,  and  Captain  Pike,  Arkansas 
cavalry,  commanding  squadrons ;  Lieutenant-Colonel  Field,  Ken 
tucky  cavalry;  Lieutenant-Colonel  Roane,  Arkansas  cavalry,  upon 
whom  the  command  devolved  after  the  fall  of  Colonel  Yell ;  Major 
Bradford,  Captain  Sharpe  (severely  wounded),  and  Adjutant  Griffith, 
Mississippi  regiment ;  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hadden,  2d  Indiana  regi 
ment,  and  Lieutenant  Robinson,  aid-de-camp  to  General  Lane ; 


BATTLE    OF   BUENA   VISTA.  73 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Weatherford,  1st  Illinois  regiment ;  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Morrison,  Major  Trail,  and  Adjutant  Whiteside  (severely 
wounded),  2d  Illinois  regiment ;  and  Major  Fry,  2d  Kentucky  regi 
ment,  as  being  favourably  noticed  for  gallantry  and  good  conduct. 
Major  McCulloch,  quartermaster  in  the  volunteer  service,  rendered 
important  services  before  the  engagement,  in  the  command  of  a  spy 
company,  and  during  the  affair  was  associated  with  the  regular 
cavalry.  To  Major  Warren,  1st  Illinois  volunteers,  I  feel  much  in 
debted  for  his  firm  and  judicious  course,  while  exercising  command 
in  the  city  of  Saltillo. 

"  The  medical  staff,  under  the  able  direction  of  Assistant-Surgeon 
Hitchcock,  were  assiduous  in  attention  to  the  wounded  upon  the 
field,  and  in  their  careful  removal  to  the  rear.  Both  in  these  respects, 
and  in  the  subsequent  organization  and  service  of  the  hospitals,  the 
administration  of  this  department  was  everything  that  could  be 
wished. 

"  Brigadier-General  Wool  speaks  in  high  terms  of  the  officers  of 
his  staff,  and  I  take  pleasure  in  mentioning  them  here,  having  wit 
nessed  their  activity  and  zeal  upon  the  field.  Lieutenant  and  Aid- 
de-camp  McDowell,  Colonel  Churchill,  inspector-general,  Captain 
Chapman,  assistant  quartermaster,  Lieutenant  Sitgreaves,  Topo 
graphical  Engineers,  and  Captains  Howard  and  Davis,  volunteer 
service,  are  conspicuously  noticed  by  the  general  for  their  gallantry 
and  good  conduct.  Messrs.  March,  Addicks,  Potts,  Harrison,  Bur 
gess,  and  Dusenbery,  attached  in  various  capacities  to  General 
Wool's  head-quarters,  are  likewise  mentioned  for  their  intelligent 
alacrity  in  conveying  orders  to  all  parts  of  the  field. 

"  In  conclusion,  I  beg  leave  to  speak  of  my  own  staff,  to  whose 
exertions  in  rallying  troops  and  communicating  orders  I  feel  greatly 
indebted.  Major  Bliss,  assistant  adjutant-general,  Captain  J.  H. 
Eaton,  and  Lieutenant  R.  S.  Garnett,  aids-de-camp,  served  near  my 
person,  and  were  prompt  and  zealous  in  the  discharge  of  every 
duty.  Major  Munroe,  beside  rendering  valuable  service  as  chief 
of  artillery,  was  active  and  instrumental,  as  were  also  Colonels 
Churchill  and  Belknap,  inspectors-general,  in  rallying  troops  and 
disposing  them  for  the  defence  of  the  train  and  baggage.  Colonel 
Whiting,  quartermaster-general,  and  Captain  Eaton,  chief  of  the 
subsistence  department,  were  engaged  with  the  duties  of  their  de 
partments,  and  also  served  in  my  immediate  staff  on  the  field.  Cap- 
7 


74  MAJOR-GENERAL    ZACHARY    TAYLOR. 

tain  Sibley,  assistant  quartermaster,  was  necessarily  left  with  the 
head-quarter  camp  near  town,  where  his  services  were  highly  use 
ful.  Major  Mansfield  and  Lieutenant  Benham,  Engineers,  and 
Captain  Linnard  and  Lieutenants  Pope  and  Franklin,  Topographical 
Engineers,  were  employed  before  and  during  the  engagement  in 
making  reconnoissances,  and  on  the  field  were  active  in  bringing 
information  and  in  conveying  my  orders  to  distant  points.  Lieu 
tenant  Kingsbury,  in  addition  to  his  proper  duties  as  ordnance 
officer,  Captain  Chilton,  assistant  quartermaster,  and  Majors  Dix 
and  Coffee,  served  also  as  extra  aids-de-camp,  and  were  actively 
employed  in  the  transmission  of  orders.  Mr.  Thomas  L.  Critten- 
den,  of  Kentucky,  though  not  in  service,  volunteered  as  my  aid-de 
camp  on  this  occasion,  and  served  with  credit  in  that  capacity. 
Major  Craig,  chief  of  ordnance,  and  Surgeon  Craig,  medical  director, 
had  been  detached  on  duty  from  head-quarters,  and  did  not  reach 
the  ground  until  the  morning  of  the  24th — too  late  to  participate  in 
the  action,  but  in  time  to  render  useful  services  in  their  respective 
departments  of  the  staff." 

The  following  extracts  from  a  letter  of  General  Taylor  to  General 
Butler  are  important,  as  being  more  free  and  circumstantial,  both 
in  style  and  matter,  than  can  possibly  be  expected  in  an  official 
report :  — 

"  In  the  morning  of  the  23d,  at  sunrise,  the  enemy  renewed  the 
contest  with  an  overwhelming  force  —  with  artillery,  infantry,  and 
dragoons  —  which  lasted  with  slight  intermissions  until  dark.  A 
portion  of  the  time  the  conflict  was  much  the  severest  I  have  ever 
witnessed,  particularly  towards  the  latter  part  of  the  day,  when  he 
(Santa  Anna)  brought  up  his  reserve,  and  in  spite  of  every  effort  on 
our  part,  after  the  greatest  exertions  I  have  ever  witnessed  on  both 
sides,  drove  us  by  an  immense  superiority  of  numbers  for  some  dis 
tance.  He  had  at  least  five  to  one  at  that  point  against  us.  Fortu 
nately,  at  the  most  critical  moment,  two  pieces  of  artillery  which  I 
had  ordered  up  to  support  that  part  of  our  line,  met  our  exhausted 
men  retreating,  when  they  were  brought  into  battery  and  opened  on 
the  enemy,  then  within  fifty  yards  in  hot  pursuit,  with  canister  and 
grape,  which  brought  him  to  a  halt  and  soon  compelled  him  to  fall 
back.  In  this  tremendous  contest  we  lost  three  pieces  of  artillery, 
nearly  all  the  men  having  been  killed  or  crippled,  which  put  it  out 


BATTLE   OF   BUENA   VISTA.  75 

of  our  power  to  bring  them  off;  nor  did  I  deem  it  advisable  to 
attempt  to  regain  them. 

"  The  enemy  made  his  principal  efforts  against  our  flanks.  He 
was  handsomely  repulsed  on  our  right,  but  succeeded  early  in  the 
day  in  gaining  our  left,  in  consequence  of  the  giving  way  of  one  of 
the  volunteer  regiments,  which  could  not  be  rallied ;  with  but  few 
exceptions,  the  greater  portion  retiring  about  a  mile  to  a  large  rancho. 
or  farm-house,  where  our  wagons  and  a  portion  of  our  stores  were 
left.  These  were  soon  after  attacked  by  the  enemy's  cavalry,  who 
were  repulsed  with  some  loss. 

"  For  several  hours  the  fate  of  the  day  was  extremely  doubtful ; 
so  much  so  that  I  was  urged  by  some  of  the  most  experienced 
officers  to  fall  back  and  take  a  new  position.  This  I  knew  it  would 
never  do  to  attempt  with  volunteers,  and  at  once  declined  it.  The 
scene  had  now  become  one  of  the  deepest  interest.  Between  the 
several  deep  ravines,  there  were  portions  of  level  land  from  one  to 
four  hundred  yards  in  extent,  which  became  alternately  points  of 
attack  and  defence,  after  our  left  was  turned,  by  both  sides.  These 
extended  along  and  near  the  base  of  the  mountain  for  about  two 
miles,  and  the  struggle  for  them  may  be  very  appropriately  com 
pared  to  a  game  of  chess.  Night  put  a  stop  to  the  contest,  and, 
strange  to  say,  both  armies  occupied  the  same  positions  they  did  in 
the  morning  before  the  battle  commenced.  Our  artillery  did  more 
than  wonders. 

"  We  lay  on  our  arms  all  night,  as  we  had  done  the  two  pre 
vious  ones,  without  fires,  there  being  no  wood  to  be  had,  and  the 
mercury  below  the  freezing  point,  ready  and  expecting  to  renew  the 
contest  the  next  morning ;  but  we  found  at  daylight  the  enemy  had 
retreated  during  the  night,  leaving  his  killed  and  many  of  his 
wounded  for  us  to  bury  and  take  care  of — carrying  off  every  thing 
else,  and  taking  up  a  position  at  this  place.  We  did  not  think  it 
advisable  to  pursue,  not  knowing  whether  he  would  renew  the 
attack,  continue  his  retreat,  or  wished  to  draw  us  from  our  strong 
position ;  but  contented  ourselves  with  watching  his  movements 
closely. 

"  The  loss  on  both  sides  was  very  great,  as  you  may  suppose  — - 
enough  so  on  ours  to  cover  the  whole  country  with  mourning,  for 
some  of  the  noblest  and  purest  of  the  land  have  fallen.  We  had 
two  hundred  and  forty  killed,  and  five  hundred  wounded.  The 

D 


76  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY    TAYLOR. 

enemy  has  suffered  in  still  greater  numbers,  but  as  the  dead  and 
wounded  are  scattered  all  over  the  country,  it  is  difficult  to  ascertain 
their  number.  The  prisoners  who  have  fallen  into  our  hands,  be 
tween  two  and  three  hundred  —  enough  to  exchange  for  all  that 
have  been  taken  from  us  —  as  well  as  some  medical  officers  left 
behind  to  take  care  of  the  wounded,  say  that  their  killed  and 
wounded  is  not  less  than  fifteen  hundred,  and  they  say  perhaps 
more. 

"  I  hope  the  greater  portion  of  the  good  people  of  the  country 
will  be  satisfied  with  what  we  have  done  on  this  occasion.  I  flatter 
myself  that  our  compelling  a  Mexican  army  of  more  than  twenty 
thousand  men,  completely  organized,  and  led  by  their  chief  magis 
trate,  to  retreat,  with  less  than  five  hundred  regulars  and  about  four 
thousand  volunteers,  will  meet  their  approval.  I  had  not  a  single 
company  of  regular  infantry ;  the  whole  was  taken  from  me." 

The  character  of  this  great  battle  is  thus  given  by  the  able  editor 
of  the  Baltimore  American : — 

"It  appears  that  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista  was  really  fought  by 
less  than  five  thousand  Americans  against  twenty  thousand  Mexi 
cans.  With  a  proportion  of  five  to  one  against  us,  in  point  of  num 
bers,  it  is  to  be  remembered  too  that  the  Mexicans  were  regular 
soldiers,  while  nearly  nine-tenths  of  our  troops  were  volunteers  on 
their  first  campaign.  With  the  exception  of  the  Mississippi  regi 
ment,  which  fought  at  Monterey,  the  rest  of  the  volunteers  met  an 
enemy  in  the  field  for  the  first  time  at  Buena  Vista.  We  may  then 
estimate,  in  some  sort,  the  valour  of  those  brave  men  who  stood  for 
nine  hours  against  overwhelming  numbers,  firm  in  their  own  heroism, 
indomitable  in  spirit,  inflexible  in  purpose,  rolling  back  the  tide  of 
war,  as  rocks  repel  the  surges  of  the  ocean,  and  finally  standing 
victorious  on  that  field  of  terrific  strife.  The  standard  of  the  republic 
never  streamed  over  a  battle-field  more  gallantly  won.  General 
Taylor's  loss  in  killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  was  nearly  one-sixth 
of  his  entire  force.  Yet,  when  the  battle  ceased  on  the  evening  of 
the  23d,  and  a  renewal  of  the  fight  was  expected  with  the  next 
day's  dawn,  what  record  do  we  find  of  that  epoch  of  suspense ! 
Here  it  is : — « During  the  night,'  says  General  Taylor,  *  the  wounded 
were  removed  to  Saltillo,  and  every  preparation  made  to  receive  the 
enemy,  should  he  again  attack  our  position.'  There  was  no  mis 
giving  in  that  little  band. 


REMARKS  ON  THE  BATTLE.  79 

«  This  battle  of  Buena  Vista,  remarkable  in  many  points  of  view, 
is  particularly  so  as  exhibiting  extraordinary  steadiness,  endurance, 
and  courage,  on  the  part  of  raw  troops  exposed  to  fire  for  the  first 
time.  Here  was  a  pitched  battle  entered  upon  deliberately;  an 
enemy  immensely  superior  in  numbers ;  regular  troops,  commanded 
by  the  ablest  and  most  experienced  general  in  Mexico ;  and  this 
battle  to  be  fought  in  open  field,  without  fortifications  or  intrench- 
ments,  was  awaited  by  our  soldiers,  who  lay  upon  their  arms  on  the 
night  of  the  22d,  knowing  that  the  morning's  light  would  usher  in  a 
•V-y  of  conflict  and  carnage.  It  was  a  crisis  to  try  veterans ;  it  was 
met  by  men  who  less  than  a  year  before  were  engaged  in  every 
variety  of  industrial  pursuit  in  peaceful  life,  who  had  never  seen  a 
battle  or  met  a  foe. 

"  While  these  facts  demonstrate  unyielding  elements  of  hardihood 
and  courage  in  the  men  who  fought  at  Buena  Vista,  they  indicate 
also  the  high  and  commanding  character  of  the  officers  who  brought 
those  sterling  materials  into  order  and  efficiency.  Those  lamented 
sons  of  Kentucky,  McKee  and  Clay,  the  gallant  Davis  of  Mississippi, 
and  others,  educated  at  West  Point,  added  all  the  aids  of  military 
knowledge  to  their  own  heroic  bearing  in  the  discipline  of  their 
troops  and  in  the  inspiration  of  confidence,  so  essential  to  success  in 
war.  But  where  the  blaze  of  glory  concentrates  with  most  particular 
lustre,  its  briiliant  light  falls  upon  the  calm  countenance  of  the 
general-in-chief,  Taylor,  the  invincible,  to  whom  all  eyes  were  turned 
in  every  crisis  of  danger — who  formed  in  himself  the  stay  and  bul 
wark  of  the  hopes  of  his  army — the  only  man,  perhaps,  who  would 
have  fought  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista ;  the  only  man,  probably,  who 
could  have  won  it.  Imperturbable  and  self-possessed,  he  held  the 
battle  in  his  eye ;  and  amid  the  storm  and  fury  of  the  strife  he  in 
spired  renewed  courage  by  his  presence  at  every  point  of  danger. 
With  such  a  commander  and  such  troops,  victory  is  fast  bound  to 
our  standard,  let  it  float  where  it  may." 

Such  was  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista.  Long  will  it  be  remembered 
in  the  history  of  our  country.  Coming  ages  will  muse  upon  its  im 
portant  issues,  its  terrible  charges,  its  sickening  slaughter  with 
astonishment  and  awe  ;  and  the  man  who  gained  it  will  one  day  be 
aecounted  as  one  of  the  greatest  among  living  generals. 

The  battle  of  Buena  Vista  has  been  the  crowning  act  of  Taylor's 


80  MAJOR-GENERAL    ZACHARY    TAYLOR. 

career.    He  retired  soon  after  to  Monterey,  where  want  of  supplies 
still  forces  him  to  remain. 

The  following  remarks  upon  General  Taylor  are  made  by  Ser 
geant  Harris  of  the  army,  who  is  of  course  personally  acquainted 
with  him : — 

"  The  character  of  General  Taylor  is  pretty  much  what  it  is  re 
presented.  He  is  mild  and  affable,  yet  firm  and  unflinching.  If  a 
soldier  under  his  command  thinks  he  is  aggrieved,  it  is  to  the  gene 
ral  he  looks  for  redress,  and  never  fails  in  getting  it,  in  case  General 
Taylor,  on  inquiry,  ascertains  it  to  be  well  founded.  The  'old 
man,'  as  he  is  familiarly  termed  by  officers  and  men,  is  approach 
able  at  all  hours.  He  will  sit  and  talk  with  the  commonest  soldier 
in  the  most  affable  manner,  and  my  informant  tells  me  that  he  has 
often  wondered  at  seeing  him  enter  minutely  into  the  private  affairs 
of  the  soldiers  under  his  command,  give  them  his  advice  when 
asked,  as  it  frequently  is,  and  when  that  is  over,  read  to  them  from 
the  newspapers  the  anecdotes  of  the  army,  which  have  made  their 
way  into  print  in  the  northern  cities,  at  which  he  would  laugh  as 
heartily  as  any  of  them.  He  is  beloved  by  all  in  his  command, 
officers  and  men.  All  take  pleasure  in  obeying  his  commands ; 
and  when  an  order  is  given  by  him,  there  is  emulation  among  all 
who  hear  it,  to  obey  it.  His  treatment  of  the  Mexicans  is  marked 
with  the  same  urbanity.  They,  according  to  my  informant,  at  least 
such  of  them  as  have  been  in  the  habit  of  serving  the  camp  with 
milk  and  other  little  nick  nacks,  love  him  as  much  as  his  own  sol 
diers  do. 

"  On  a  certain  occasion  one  of  these  poor  creatures  complained 
to  Le  Capitana,  that  a  volunteer  had  entered  his  rancho,  and  ap 
propriated  to  his  own  use  some  of  his  edibles,  without  paying  for 
them.  Now  this  was  a  breach  of  orders  which  General  Taylor 
could  not  overlook,  so  he  had  the  marauder  identified  by  the  Mexi 
can,  and  brought  before  him.  The  general  examined  and  cross- 
examined  him,  in  relation  to  the  offence,  for  upwards  of  two  hours, 
at  the  end  of  which  time  he  arrived  at  the  conclusion  that  the  volun 
teer  was  not  quite  so  much  to  blame  as  the  accuser  represented,  but 
thought  him  deserving  of  some  punishment,  and  what  was  the 
punishment  do  you  suppose  he  inflicted  upon  him?  Why  he  di 
rected  a  barrel  to  be  placed  in  front  of  his  tent,  directed  the  volun 
teer  to  mount  it,  and  kept  him  standing  there  for  two  hours.  At  tha 


TRAITS  OF  TAYLOR'S  CHARACTER.  81 

end  of  which  he  gave  him  a  few  words  about  not  doing  the  like 
again,  &c.,  and  sent  him  back  to  his  quarters.  Occasionally  it  oc 
curs  that  a  man  will  want  to  write  a  letter  to  his  friends,  and  has  no 
materials  to  do  so.  Without  hesitation  he  applies  to  the  *  old  man,' 
and  gets  all  he  wants,  pen,  ink,  and  paper,  and  wafer,  which  comes 
from  his  private  stock,  which  is  always  at  the  service  of  the  soldiers. 

"  We  have  all  heard  the  soubriquet  of  Rough  and  Ready  had  its 
origin  in  the  Florida  war,  in  which  General  Taylor  treated  the  red 
skins  in  the  roughest  way  and  in  the  readiest  manner ;  but  I  have 
not  seen  it  stated  when  it  was  first  used  in  this  war.  According  to 
Sergeant  Harris,  it  was  in  this  way :  After  the  memorable  battles 
of  Resaca  de  la  Pal  ma  and  Palo  Alto,  the  old  general  directed  the 
men  to  be  brought  up  before  him  in  review,  which  was  of  course 
done.  While  reviewing  them  to  see,  no  doubt,  how  they  looked 
after  their  scrimmage  with  the  yellow  bellies,  an  old  soldier,  who 
served  under  him  in  the  Florida  war,  proposed  at  the  top  of  his 
voice,  'Three  cheers  for  old  Rough  and  Ready;'  which  were 
given  with  all  the  honours.  As  soon  as  they  had  subsided,  the  old 
general,  every  feature  in  his  open  countenance  speaking  volumes, 
gracefully  took  off  his  chapeau,  and  returned  thanks,  and  added, 
'  Gentlemen,  I  would  be  happy  to  treat  you  all,  but  I  have  got 
nothing  except  some  Rio  Grande  water  with  which  to  do  it.' 

"On  one  occasion,  a  volunteer  getting  tired  of  discipline,  thought 
he  would  relieve  himself  of  it  for  a  time  at  least,  and  with  that  view 
absented  himself  for  a  week  without  leave,  and  made  a  trip  to  the 
country.  As  soon  as  his  absence  was  known  to  the  camp  he  was 
proclaimed  a  deserter,  and  men  sent  in  pursuit  of  him.  He  returned, 
however,  before  he  was  arrested,  and  immediately  made  his  way 
to  the  old  general,  and  told  him  in  mitigation  of  punishment,  that 
ne  was  always  accustomed  to  open  backwood  life,  and  it  went  hard 
with  him  to  be  confined  so  much.  « Well,  (said  the  general,)  don't 
do  so  again,  my  boy,  without  leave,'  and  directed  him  to  go  to  his 
quarters.  That  man,  says  my  informant,  thinks  General  Taylor 
the  best  man  living,  and  he  would  willingly  lose  life  itself  at  his 
bidding. 

"  General  Taylor's  modesty  is  equalled  by  his  magnanimity.  It 
was  not  known  in  camp  until  three  weeks  after  it  was  known  to  the 
general  himself,  that  he  had  received  a  brevet,  and  all  the  army 
heard  of  the  sword  presentation  to  him,  was  through  the  papers." 


82  MAJOR-GENERAL   ZACHARY    TAYLOR. 

Another  writer  says : 

"  As  plain  Lieutenant-Colonel  Taylor,  the  writer  of  this  has  often 
seen  'Old  Zach'  putting  his  men  through  the  battalion  drill  on  the 
northern  banks  of  the  Wisconsin  in  the  depths  of  February.  This 
would  seem  only  characteristic  of  the  man  who  has  since  proved 
himself  equally  « Rough  and  Ready'  under  the  scorching  sun  of  the 
tropics.  But,  looking  back  through  long  years  to  many  a  pleasant 
hour  spent  in  the  well-selected  library  of  the  post  which  Colonel 
Taylor  then  commanded,  we  recur  now  with  singular  interest  to  the 
agreeable  conversations  held  in  the*  room  which  was  the  Colonel's 
favourite  resort  amid  the  intervals  of  duty.  Nor  will  the  reader 
think  these  personal  reminiscences  impertinent,  when  we  add  that 
our  object  in  recurring  to  them  here  is  simply  to  mention  that,  re 
membering  alike  the  wintry  drill  and  the  snug  book-room,  Taylor's 
hardihood — the  idea  of  which  now  so  readily  attaches  to  his  soubri 
quet  of  Rough  and  Ready — would  certainly  not  then  have  struck  a 
stranger  as  more  characteristic  than  his  liberal-minded  intelligence. 
Remarkable  sincerity  of  manner,  a  dash  of  humour  amid  diffident  re 
serve,  blended  with  a  cordiality  that  for  want  of  a  better  phrase  we 
should  call  mesmeric,  characterized  the  mien  of  the  distinguished 
man,  upon  whom  the  eyes  of  all  his  countrymen  are  now  fixed  with 
such  curious  interest.  He  was  one  of  those  few  men  who  instantly 
impress  a  stranger  with  the  idea  of  frankness  and  reality  of  charac 
ter,  while  still  suggesting  to  the  imagination  that  there  was  much 
to  study  in  him.  Above  all  was  it  apparent  that  his  singular 
modesty  was  genuine  —  was  of  the  soul ;  that  he  was  a  man  whose 
strong  individuality  his  nearest  intimates  must  hesitate  to  write 
about  and  publish  to  the  world  in  terms  of  praise.  And  we  know 
the  fact  that  in  one  instance  a  friend  whom  the  General  had  obliged, 
when  replying  to  some  newspaper  disparagement  of  Taylor's  mili 
tary  standing  and  services  at  the  commencement  of  the  Florida  war, 
was  deterred  by  his  knowledge  of  this  trait  from  communicating  his 
article  to  the  subject  of  it,  lest  the  terms  of  eulogy  he  had  employed 
might  be  offensive  to  Taylor.  This  dislike  of  puffery,  nay  this 
almost  wayward  turning  one's  back  upon  fame,  is,  however,  per 
fectly  consistent  with  the  most  jealous  sense  of  what  is  due  to  one's 
personal  character;  and  that  quality  General  Taylor's  published 
correspondence  with  the  Department  of  War  proves  he  possesses  in 
the  mo^t  lively  degree.  He  there  shows  that  he  leaves  the  laurels 


TAYLOR'S  PERSONAL  APPEARANCE.  83 

of  the  hero  to  take  care  of  themselves,  but  the  rights  and  the  char 
acter  of  Zachary  Taylor  must  not  be  tampered  with.  And  this  is 
the  quality  which  will  ever  prevent  him  from  becoming  the  tool  of 
party.  He  is  a  man  that  cannot  be  used  by  others  save  in  the  line 
of  his  duty.  A  man  who  cannot  be  approached  to  be  thus  used ; 
for  there  is  sometimes  a  shrewd  fire  in  the  glance  of  his  friendly 
eye,  an  epigrammatic  heartiness  of  response  bolting  forth  amid  his 
taciturnity,  that  would  utterly  bewilder  and  confound  the  ordinary 
man  of  the  world,  who  approached  him  with  double-dealing  phrase, 
or  selfish  insincerity  of  purpose. 

"  With  regard  to  his  personal  appearance,  of  all  the  portraits  of 
General  Taylor  that  we  have  seen,  and  there  is  one  in  each  of  the 
volumes  before  us,  that  published  in  Graham's  Magazine  strikes  us 
as  decidedly  the  best.  In  some  respects  it  is  flattered,  and  in  others 
it  hardly  comes  up  to  the  strongly  marked  character  expressed  in 
the  face  of  the  original ;  as  a  whole,  however,  it  is  far  more  faithful 
than  the  others.  Its  flattery,  we  imagine,  lies  in  making  Taylor  look 
younger  than  he  now  appears.  For  his  looks  in  the  picture  are 
those  which  we  recall  when  seeing  him  just  after  the  close  of  his 
campaign,  now  many  years  gone  by.  The  stamped  medals  pub 
lished  lately  by  J.  P.  Ridner  we  should  think  would  better  repre 
sent  his  present  appearance. 

"  While  indulging  in  these  gossiping  references,  which  we  know 
will  interest  some  of  our  readers,  we  may  here  relate  an  anecdote 
of  General  Taylor,  which  we  once  heard,  amid  the  early  scenes  of 
the  Black  Hawk  war  on  Rock  river,  and  which,  though  never 
verified  to  our  knowledge,  still  seems  most  characteristic  of  the 
Rough  and  Ready  of  later  years.  Some  time  after  Stillrnan's  defeat 
by  Black  Hawk's  band,  Taylor,  marching  with  a  large  body  of 
rolunteers  and  a  handful  of  regulars  in  pursuit  of  the  hostile  Indian 
force,  found  himself  approaching  Rock  river,  then  asserted  by  many 
to  be  the  true  north-western  boundary  of  the  state  of  Illinois.  The 
volunteers,  as  Taylor  was  informed,  would  refuse  to  cross  the 
stream.  They  were  militia,  they  said,  called  out  for  the  defence 
of  the  state,  and  it  was  unconstitutional  to  order  them  to  march  be 
yond  its  frontier  into  the  Indian  country.  Taylor  thereupon  halted 
his  command,  and  encamped  within  the  acknowledged  boundaries 
of  Illinois.  He  would  not,  as  the  relator  of  the  story  said,  budge 
an  inch  further  without  orders.  He  had  already  driven  Black 

D* 


84  MAJOR-GENERAL    ZACHARY    TAYLOR. 

Hawk  out  of  the  state,  but  the  question  of  crossing  Rock  river 
seemed  hugely  to  trouble  his  ideas  of  integrity  to  the  constitution 
on  one  side,  and  military  expediency  on  the  other.  During  the 
night,  however,  orders  came,  either  from  General  Scott  or  Genera! 
Atkinson,  for  him  to  follow  up  Black  Hawk  to  the  last.  The  quiet 
ness  of  the  Regular  colonel  meanwhile  had  rather  encouraged  the 
mutinous  militia  to  bring  their  proceedings  to  a  head.  A  sort  of 
town-meeting  was  called  upon  the  prairie,  and  Taylor  invited  to 
attend.  After  listening  for  some  time  very  quietly  to  the  proceed 
ings,  it  became  Rough  and  Ready's  turn  to  address  the  chair. 
*  He  had  heard,'  he  said,  *  with  much  pleasure  the  views  which 
several  speakers  had  of  the  independence  and  dignity  of  each  pri 
vate  American  citizen.  He  felt  that  all  gentlemen  there  present 
were  his  equals  —  in  reality  he  was  persuaded  that  many  of  them 
would  in  a  few  years  be  his  superiors,  and  perhaps,  in  the  capacity 
of  members  of  Congress,  arbiters  of  the  fortune  and  reputation  of 
humble  servants  of  the  Republic  like  himself.  He  expected  then 
to  obey  them  as  interpreters  of  the  will  of  the  people ;  and  the  best 
proofs  he  could  give  that  he  would  obey  them,  was  now  to  observe 
the  orders  of  those  whom  the  people  had  already  put  in  the  places 
of  authority,  to  which  many  gentlemen  around  him  justly  aspired. 
tn  plain  English,  gentlemen  and  fellow-citizens,  the  word  has  been 
passed  on  to  me  from  Washington  to  follow  Black  Hawk  and  take 
you  with  me  as  soldiers.  I  mean  to  do  both.  There  are  the  flat- 
boats  drawn  up  on  the  shore,  and  here  are  Uncle  Sam's  men 
drawn  up  behind  you  on  the  prairie.' 

"  *  Stra-anger,'  added  the  man  who  told  the  story, « the  way  them 
militia-men  sloped  into  those  flat-boats  was  a  caution.  Not  another 
word  was  said.  Had  Zach  Taylor  been  with  Van  Rennselaer  at 
Niagara  river,  in  the  last  war,  I  rayther  think  he  'd  a  taught  him 
how  to  get  militia-men  over  a  ferry.'  " 

After  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista,  General  Taylor  addressed  the 
following  letter  to  the  Hon.  Henry  Clay,  concerning  the  death 
of  his  son.  It  shows  that  although  the  general  has  lived  from  a 
youth  amid  the  horrors  of  camp  life,  he  yet  has  a  heart  big  with 
the  noblest  sentiments  of  humanity. 

"  MY  DEAR  SIR  :  You  will  no  doubt  have  received,  before  this  can 
reach  you,  the  deeply  distressing  intelligence  of  the  death  of  your 
son  in  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista.  It  is  with  no  wish  of  intruding 


TAYLOR'S  LETTER  TO  CLAY.        85 

upon  the  sanctuary  of  parental  sorrow,  and  with  no  hope  of  admin 
istering  any  consolation  to  your  wounded  heart,  that  I  have  taken 
the  liberty  of  addressing  you  these  few  lines ;  but  I  have  felt  it  a 
duty  which  I  owe  to  the  memory  of  the  distinguished  dead,  to  pay 
a  willing  tribute  to  his  many  excellent  qualities,  and  while  my  feel 
ings  are  still  fresh,  to  express  the  desolation  which  his  untimely  loss 
and  that  of  other  kindred  spirits  lias  occasioned. 

"I  had  but  a  casual  acquaintance  with  your  son,  until  he  became 
for  a  time  a  member  of  my  military  family,  and  I  can  truly  say  that 
no  one  ever  won  more  rapidly  upon  my  regard,  or  established  a 
more  lasting  claim  to  my  respect  and  esteem.  Manly  and  honour 
able  in  every  impulse,  with  no  feeling  but  for  the  honour  of  the 
service  and  of  the  country,  he  gave  every  assurance  that  in  the 
hour  of  need  I  could  lean  with  confidence  upon  his  support.  Nor 
was  I  disappointed.  Under  the  guidance  of  himself  and  the  lament 
ed  McKee,  gallantly  did  the  sons  of  Kentucky,  in  the  thickest  of 
the  strife,  uphold  the  honour  of  the  state  and  the  country. 

"A  grateful  people  will  do  justice  to  the  memory  of  those  who 
fell  on  that  eventful  day.  But  I  may  be  permitted  to  express  the 
bereavement  which  I  feel  in  the  loss  of  valued  friends.  To  your 
son  I  felt  bound  by  the  strongest  ties  of  private  regard  ;  and  when  I 
miss  his  familiar  face,  and  those  of  McKee  and  Hardin,  I  can  say 
with  truth,  that  I  feel  no  exultation  in  our  success." 

We  close  our  sketches  of  General  Taylor  by  the  following  just 
tribute  to  his  abilities  and  integrity  of  character. 

At  a  barbacue  given  to  the  Kentucky  volunteers  at  Jeffersontown, 
Colonel  Humphrey  Marshall  delivered  a  speech,  in  the  course  of 
which  he  spoke  in  the  following  terms  of  the  character  of  Old 
Rough  and  Ready.  It  may  be  remarked  that  those  qualities  which 
are  so  conspicuous  in  the  character  of  General  Taylor,  such  as 
his  simplicity,  sincerity,  manliness  and  honesty,  are  the  very  at 
tributes  that  endear  him  to  the  masses.  Nothing  recommends  a 
man  more  speedily  to  the  affections  of  the  people  than  the  ^pre 
sence  of  those  homely  and  old-fashioned  virtues  which  prove  the 
sterling  metal  of  his  nature  : 

"My  service  in  Mexico  frequently  brought  me  near  to  General 
Taylor,  and  I  was  industrious  in  my  examination  of  the  actual  char 
acter  of  the  man  whenever  opportunity  was  presented.     I  have  no 
motive  to  deceive  you,  and  you  must  take  the  impressions  I  received 
8 


86  MAJOR-GENERAL    ZACHARY    TAYLOR. 

for  what  they  are  worth.  If  I  desired  to  express  in  the  fewest  words 
what  manner  of  man  General  Taylor  is,  I  should  say  that,  in  his 
manners  and  his  appearance,  he  is  one  of  the  common  people  of  this 
country.  He  might  be  transferred  from  his  tent  at  Monterey  to  this 
assembly,  and  he  would  not  be  remarked  among  this  crowd  of 
respectable  old  farmers  as  a  man  at  all  distinguished  from  those 
around  him.  Perfectly  temperate  in  his  habits,  perfectly  plain  in 
his  dress,  entirely  unassuming  in  his  manners,  he  appears  to  be  an 
old  gentleman  in  fine  health,  whose  thoughts  are  not  turned  upon 
his  personal  appearance,  and  who  has  no  point  about  him  to  attract 
particular  attention.  In  his  intercourse  with  men,  he  is  free,  frank 
and  manly ;  he  plays  off  none  of  the  airs  of  some  great  men  whom 
I  have  met.  Any  one  may  approach  him  as  nearly  as  can  be  de 
sired,  and  the  more  closely  his  character  is  examined  the  greater 
beauties  it  discloses. 

"1.  He  is  an  honest  man.  I  do  not  mean  by  that  merely  that  he 
does  not  cheat  or  lie.  I  mean  that  he  is  a  man  that  never  dissem 
bles,  and  who  scorns  all  disguises.  He  neither  acts  a  part  among 
his  friends  for  effect,  nor  assumes  to  be  what  he  is  not.  Whenever 
he  speaks  you  hear  what  he  honestly  believes ;  and,  whether  right 
or  wrong,  you  feel  assurance  that  he  has  expressed  his  real  opinion. 
His  dealings  with  men  have  been  of  a  most  varied  character,  and  I 
have  never  heard  his  honest  name  stained  by  the  breath  of  the 
slightest  reproach. 

"  2.  He  is  a  man  of  rare  good  judgment.  By  no  means  possessed 
of  that  brilliancy  of  genius  which  attracts  by  its  flashes,  yet,  like 
the  meteor,  expires  even  while  you  gaze  upon  it ;  by  no  means 
possessing  that  combination  of  talent  which  penetrates  instantly  the 
abstrusest  subject,  and  measures  its  length  and  breadth  as  if  by  in 
tuition,  General  Taylor  yet  has  that  order  of  intellect  which  more 
slowly  but  quite  as  surely  masters  all  that  it  engages,  and  examines 
all  the  combinations  of  which  the  subject  is  susceptible.  When  he 
announces  his  conclusions  you  feel  confident  that  he  well  under 
stands  the  ground  upon  which  he  plants  himself,  and  you  rest 
assured  that  the  conclusion  is  the  deduction  of  skill  and  sound  sense 
faithfully  applied  to  the  matter  in  hand.  It  is  this  order  of  mind 
which  has  enabled  him,  unlike  many  other  officers  of  the  army,  to 
attend  to  the  wants  of  his  family,  by  so  using  the  means  at  his  dis 
posal  as  to  surround  himself  in  his  old  age  with  a  handsome  private 


CHARACTER    OF    TAYLOR.  87 

-*- 

fortune,  and  to  be  blessed  with  an  almost  perfect  constitution.  I 
would  to-day  prefer  his  advice  in  any  matter  of  private  interest — 
would  take  his  opinion  as  to  the  value  of  an  estate — would  rather 
follow  his  suggestions  in  a  scheme  where  property  or  capital  was  to 
be  embarked,  would  pursue  more  confidently  his  counsel  where  the 
management  of  an  army  was  involved,  or  the  true  honour  of  my 
country  was  at  stake,  than  that  of  any  other  man  I  have  ever  known. 
I  regard  his  judgment  as  being  first-rate  at  every  thing,  from  a  horse- 
trade  up  to  a  trade  in  human  life  upon  the  field  of  battle. 

"  3.  He  is  a  firm  man  and  possessed  of  great  energy  of  character. 
It  were  a  waste  of  time  to  dwell  upon  these  traits  of  his  character, 
for  his  military  career  has  afforded  such  abundant  examples  of  his 
exercise  of  these  qualities  as  to  render  them  familiar  to  every  citizen 
who  has  ever  read  or  heard  of  the  man.  In  his  army  they  are  daily 
exhibited,  and  stand  conspicuously  displayed  in  every  order  which 
emanates  from  his  pen. 

"  4.  He  is  a  benevolent  man.  This  quality  has  been  uniformly 
displayed  in  his  treatment  of  the  prisoners  who  have  been  placed  in 
his  power  by  the  vicissitudes  of  war.  No  man  who  had  seen  him 
after  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista  as  he  ordered  the  wagons  to  bring  in 
the  Mexican  wounded  from  the  battle-field,  and  heard  him  as  he  at 
once  cautioned  his  own  men  that  the  wounded  were  to  be  treated 
with  mercy,  could  doubt  that  he  was  alive  to  all  the  kinder  impulses 
of  our  nature.  The  indiscretions  of  youth  he  chides  with  paternal 
kindness,  yet  with  the  decision  which  forbids  their  repetition;  and 
the  young  men  of  his  army  feel  that  it  is  a  pleasure  to  gather  around 
him,  because  there  they  are  as  welcome  as  though  they  visited  the 
hearth-stone  of  their  own  home  ;  and  they  are  always  as  freely  in 
vited  to  partake  of  what  he  has  to  offer  as  if  they  were  under  the 
roof  of  a  father.  His  conduct  in  sparing  the  deserters  who  were 
captured  at  Buena  Vista  exhibited  at  the  same  time  in  a  manner  his 
benevolence  and  his  judgment.  «  Don't  shoot  them,'  said  he  :  '  the 
worst  punishment  I  will  inflict  is  to  return  them  to  the  Mexican 
army.'  When  Napoleon  said  to  one  of  his  battalions,  '  Inscribe  it 
on  their  flag :  No  longer  of  the  army  of  Italy,'  he  used  an  expres 
sion  which  was  deemed  so  remarkable  that  history  preserved  it  for 
the  admiration  of  future  ages ;  yet  it  was  not  more  forcible  as  an 
illustration  of  his  power  in  touching  the  springs  of  human  action 


MAJOR-GENERAL    ZACHARY    TAYLOR. 

than  is  that  of  General  Taylor  illustrative  of  the  manner  in  which 
he  would  make  an  example  for  the  benefit  of  the  army. 

"  5.  He  is  a  man  of  business  habits.  I  never  have  known  General 
Taylor  to  give  up  a  day  to  pleasure.  I  have  never  visited  his  quar 
ters  without  seeing  evidences  of  the  industry  with  which  he  toiled. 
If  his  talented  adjutant  was  surrounded  with  papers,  so  was  the 
general.  And  though  he  would  salute  a  visitor  kindly,  and  bid 
him  with  familiar  grace  to  amuse  himself  until  he  was  at  leisure,  he 
never  would  interrupt  the  duties  which  his  station  called  him  to 
perform.  When  these  were  closed  for  the  day,  he  seemed  to  enjoy 
to  a  remarkable  degree,  the  vivacity  of  young  officers,  and  to  be 
glad  to  mingle  in  their  society.  As  a  conversationist,  I  do  not  think 
General  Taylor  possesses  great  power.  He  uses  few  words,  and 
expresses  himself  with  energy  and  force,  but  not  fluently.  His 
language  is  select.  I  would  say,  however,  fronrthe  knowledge  of 
the  man,  that  he  is  entirely  capable  of  producing  any  thing  in  th« 
shape  of  an  order  or  letter  which  has  ever  appeared  over  his  signa 
ture  ;  and,  in  saying  so  much,  I  understand  myself  as  asserting  that 
he  is  master  of  his  mother  tongue,  and  can  write  about  as  effectively 
and  handsomely  as  he  can  fight.  Such,  then,  is  the  picture  of  the 
man — not  of  the  general — who  won  my  esteem.  I  am  not  in  the 
habit  of  eulogizing  men,  and  have  indulged  on  this  occasion  because 
I  desired  to  describe  to  you,  with  the  exactness  of  truth,  those  quali 
ties  which.,  combined  in  General  Taylor,  made  him  appear  to  me  as 
a  first-rate  model  of  a  true  American  character.  Others  will  dwell 
upon  the  chivalry  he  has  so  often  displayed,  and  his  greatness  so 
conspicuously  illustrated  upon  the  field  of  battle.  I  formed  my  ideas 
of  the  man  when  he  was  free  from  duty,  and  had  no  motive  to  appear 
in  any  other  light  than  such  as  was  thrown  upon  him  by  nature, 
education  and  principle." 

NOTE. — In  the  Philadelphia  North  American  and  Gazette  of  November 
30th,  1847,  is  the  following  interesting  description  of  the  swords  about  to 
be  presented  to  General  Taylor  and  other  officers : — 

"Our  fellow-townsmen,  Bailey  and  Kitchen,  whose  establishment  is 
worthy  to  have  been  the  laboratory  of  Benvenuto  Cellini  himself,  have  just 
completed  three  magnificent  swords,  intended  as  tributes  to  the  gallantry 
of  three  brave  officers  —  Major-General  Zachary  Taylor,  Major-General 
William  O.  Butler,  and  Major  P.  N.  Barber.  We  have  never  seen  more 
ftlegant  specimens  of  taste  and  skill;  and  the  production  of  such  articles 


SWORDS    FOR    TAYLOR,    ETC.  89 

fairly  entitle  Messrs  B.  and  K.  to  special  notice  and  praise.  The  first  of 
these  splendid  weapons,  intended  for  General  Taylor,  has  a  gold  scabbard, 
heavily  mounted  in  fine  chased  gold,  and  ornamented  with  three  large 
and  beautiful  Siberian  carbuncles.  The  hilt  is  of  mother-of-pearl  and  fine 
engraved  gold  alternating,  and  surmounted  with  a  large  and  unusually 
rich  Brazilian  topaz.  The  blade  is  an  exquisite  piece  of  work,  covered 
with  neat  and  appropriate  devices,  among  them  being  the  arms  of  Ken 
tucky,  with  the  motto,  { United  we  stand,  divided  we  fall.'  On  the  scab 
bard  is  the  following  inscription : 

" '  Presented  by  the  people  of  Kentucky  to  Major-General  Zachary  Taylor, 
as  an  evidence  of  the  opinion  of  his  generalship,  gallantry  and  firmness,  in 
the  battles  of  Palo  Alto,  Resaca  de  la  Palma,  and  Monterey.'  (We  would 
here  state  that  this  sword  was  ordered  before  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista 
was  fought,  which  accounts  for  this  brilliant  achievement  not  forming  a 
part  of  the  record  here.) 

"  The  sword  for  General  Butler,  like  that  for  General  Taylor,  is  made 
according  to  the  prescribed  form  of  weapon  for  a  Major-General  j  has  a 
silver  grip,  is  ornamented  in  the  head  with  a  fine  Brazilian  topaz,  and 
embellished  in  a  style  of  similar  elegance.  It  contains  the  following  in 
scription  : 

"  '  Presented  by  the  people  of  Kentucky  to  Major-General  William  O. 
Butler,  in  testimony  of  his  daring  gallantry  in  heading  his  brave  division 
in  the  desperate  charge  against  a  battery  in  the  battle  of  Monterey.' 

"  The  sword  intended  for  Major  Barber's  widow  is  a  steel  sabre,  gold 
mounted,  with  silver  grip,  handsomely  engraved  and  decorated,  and  having 
a  pale  topaz  in  the  head.  The  inscription  was  as  follows : 

" '  Presented  by  the  people  of  Kentucky  to  the  widow  of  Major  Philip 
Norbourne  Barber,  in  testimony  of  his  services  as  a  patriot  and  his  achieve 
ments  as  a  soldier,  the  chivalry  of  his  life  and  the  glory  of  his  death.' 

"  These  swords  were  ordered  by  a  committee  of  gentlemen  appointed 
by  Governor  Owsley.  They  are  to  be  in  Frankfort  at  the  opening  of  the 
next  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Kentucky." 


8* 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH. 


GENERAL  WORTH  was  born  in  the  city  of  Hudson,  Columbia 
county,  New  York.  The  first  of  the  name  in  this  country  came 
from  Devonshire,  England,  and  settled  in  Massachusetts  in  1642. 
The  general's  father  followed  the  sea,  was  a  man  of  character  and 
capacity  ;  his  mother  was  the  daughter  of  Marshall  Jenkins,  Esq., 
one  of  the  original  proprietors  of  the  city  of  Hudson.  Worth  was 
educated  for,  and  bred  up  to  mercantile  pursuits ;  but,  as  he  once 
said  to  an  acquintance,  "he  was  not  born  to  be  a  merchant;" 
meaning  that  his  inclinations  pointed  another  way,  and  that  the  cast 
and  character  of  his  mind  disqualified  him  for  the  avocation. 

On  the  declaration  of  war  in  1812,  he  was  a  resident  of  Albany ; 
and  though  but  eighteen  years  of  age,  determined  at  once  to  enter 
the  service :  but  unable  to  get  a  commission,  or  impatient  of  the 
delay,  which  those  who  apply  for  office  sometimes  experience,  he 
joined  the  army  as  a  private  secretary  to  Major-General  Lewis,  who 
finding  him  more  inclined  to  the  field  than  the  desk,  and  having  no 
vacancy  in  his  own  family,  very  kindly  recommended  him  to  Scott, 
who  was  then  at  the  head  of  his  brigade  on  the  Canada  frontier. 
Scott  immediately  appointed  him  his  aid  and  placed  him  on  his  staff. 

In  the  active  and  spirited  campaign  which  ensued,  he  distin 
guished  himself  as  a  brave  and  gallant  soldier.  He  was  with  Scott 
in  the  battles  of  Chippewa  and  Niagara,  where  he  distinguished 
himself  in  a  manner  that  won  the  entire  approval  of  his  able  com 
mander.  "The  family  of  General  Scott,"  says  the  commander, 
Brown,  in  his  official  report  of  Niagara,  "  were  conspicuous  in  the 
field,  Lieutenant  Smith,  of  the  6th  infantry,  the  major  of  the 
brigade,  and  Lieutenants  Worth  and  Watts  his  aids."  He  was 
rewarded  by  government  [August  19th,  1814]  with  a  captaincy. 

At  the  celebrated  battle  of  Niagara  he  received  a  severe  wound, 

(90) 


GENERAL  WORTH. 


GENERAL  WORTH  IN  FLORIDA.         91 

from  the  effects  of  which  he  still  suffers  occasionally.  Throughout 
the  whole  of  that  terrible  battle,  however,  he  distinguished  himself 
in  a  manner  that  gave  unequivocal  presage  of  his  future  ability ; 
and  was  officially  rewarded  by  the  brevet  rank  of  major. 

After  the  war,  he  was  for  several  years  stationed  at  West  Point, 
as  instructor  of  tactics.  As  major  of  ordnance,  he  commanded  at 
Watervliet,  was  afterwards  promoted  to  the  rank  of  colonel,  and 
assigned  to  the  eighth  regiment. 

As  colonel,  Worth  was  ordered  to  Florida,  during  the  trying 
period  of  the  Seminole  war.  After  a  tedious  pursuit  of  the  Indians, 
he  forced  them  to  battle  [April  19th,  1842]  at  the  Okeehumphee 
swamp,  and  gained  a  complete  victory.  Every  trail  made  in  their 
flight  was  taken  and  pursued  till  dark,  and  resumed  the  next  day, 
the  detachments  marching  twenty  or  thirty  miles  each  day.  The 
consequences  of  the  battle  were  most  beneficial.  On  the  4th  of 
May,  the  active  chief,  Hallash  Tustemuggee,  with  eighty  of  his 
band,  came  to  the  American  head-quarters  at  Palatka,  and  surren 
dered. 

On  the  12th  of  August,  Colonel  Worth  announced  to  govern 
ment  that  the  Florida  war  was  ended ;  and  he  was,  consequently, 
ordered  from  Florida.  The  rank  of  brevet  brigadier-general  was 
conferred  upon  him,  and  he  received  many  other  testimonials  of 
public  favour.  When  the  Indians  renewed  hostilities  he  was  re 
manded  to  Florida,  and  before  the  close  of  the  year  received  the 
surrender  of  a  large  body  of  Creeks  at  Tampa. 

When  General  Taylor  was  appointed  to  organize  a  corps  of  ob 
servation  at  Corpus  Christi,  General  Worth  received  instructions  to 
join  him,  which  he  did,  acting  as  second  in  command.  The  army 
was  left  in  his  care  when,  on  the  march  toward  the  Rio  Grande, 
Taylor  pushed  toward  Point  Isabel,  in  order  to  establish  there  a 
depot.  With  his  own  hand,  he  planted  the  national  colours  on  the 
bank  opposite  Matamoras. 

Unfortunately,  during  the  short  season  of  inactivity  that  ensued 
immediately  after  the  arrival  at  this  station,  a  dispute  concerning 
etiquette  arose  between  Worth  and  Colonel  Twiggs,  in  consequence 
of  which  the  former  threw  up  his  commission,  and  set  out  for  Wash 
ington.  This  course  was  adopted  by  Worth  out  of  a  pure  sense 
of  justice  and  professional  dignity,  and  not  from  malice  or  envy. 
He  assured  his  command  at  leaving,  that  could  he  at  any  time  be 


92  MAJOR-GENERAL    WILLIAM    J.    WORTH. 

of  service  to  them,  or  if,  contrary  to  the  complexion  of  affairs  at 
that  time,  war  should  ensue,  he  would  waive  all  etiquette,  and 
hasten  to  resume  some  post  of  danger.  He  had  scarcely  reached 
Washington,  when  news  arrived  that  the  Mexicans  had  crossed  the 
river,  surrounded  both  American  stations,  and  placed  Taylor  in  im 
minent  danger.  He  immediately  addressed  the  following  note 
[dated  May  9th,  1847,  six  o'clock,  P.  M.]  to  Adjutant-General 
Jones : 

"Reliable  information,  which  I  have  this  moment  received  from 
the  head-quarters  of  the  army  in  front  of  Matarnoras,  makes  it  not 
only  my  duty,  but  accords  with  my  inclination,  to  request  permis 
sion  to  withdraw  my  resignation,  and  that  I  be  ordered  or  permitted 
forthwith  to  return  to,  and  take  command  of  the  troops  from  which 
I  was  separated  on  the  7th  of  April,  &c." 

The  answer  was  as  follows : — 

"  I  have  submitted  to  the  Secretary  of  War  your  letter  of  this 
afternoon's  date,  in  which,  for  reasons  stated,  you  request  that  your 
resignation,  recently  tendered,  may  be  recalled,  and  you  may  be 
ordered  or  permitted  forthwith  to  return  and  take  command  of  the 
troops,  from  which  you  were  separated.  The  motives  which  prompt 
this  course  on  your  part  are  fully  appreciated,  and  I  am  directed  to 
say  that  your  request  is  complied  with.  You  will,  therefore,  repair 
without  delay  to  General  Taylor's  head-quarters,  and  report  to  him 
accordingly." 

Worth  reached  the  Rio  Grande  in  time  to  be  present  at  the  taking 
of  Matarnoras,  and  was  appointed  as  head  of  the  delegation  from  the 
American  army,  to  negotiate  the  capitulation. 

General  Worth  was  extremely  mortified  in  having  missed  the 
battles  of  May  8th  and  9th,  in  consequence  of  his  voluntary  absence. 
Appreciating  this  feeling,  General  Taylor  gave  a  rare  proof  of  his 
disinterestedness  and  sympathy  with  a  brother  officer,  by  entrusting 
him  with  an  independent  command  during  the  storming  of  Monterey. 
A  description  of  the  defences  appertaining  to  this  city  is  given  in 
the  biography  of  Taylor ;  and  against  a  chain  of  these,  on  Federa- 
cion  and  Independencia  hills,  was  General  Worth  with  the  2d  divi 
sion  sent.  His  operations  are  thus  described  by  himself: — 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  report  that,  in  obedience  to  the  verbal 
orders  of  the  general-in-chief,  the  division  under  my  command, 
composed  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Duncan's  battery  of  horse  artillery, 


GENERAL   WORTH   AT    MONTEREY.  03 

artillery  battalion,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Childs,  and  8th  regiment, 
Captain  Scriver,  constituting  the  first  brigade,  under  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Staniford ;  Lieutenant  Mackall's  battery,  horse  artillery, 
5th  infantry,  (Major  Scott;)  17th,  (Captain  Miles;)  and  one  com 
pany  Louisiana  volunteers,  (Captain  Blanchard ;)  2d  brigade,  under 
Brigadier-General  Persifer  F.  Smith,  (colonel  of  rifles,)  and  Colonel 
Hays's  regiment  of  Texan  mounted  riflemen,  moved  from  the  main 
camp  at  El  Basque  de  St.  Domingo  at  two  o'clock  P  M.  on  the 
20th. 

"  My  instructions  were  by  a  detour  to  the  right,  to  endeavour  to 
find  and  reach  the  Saltillo  road,  effect  a  thorough  reconnoissance  of 
the  approaches  to  the  city  from  that  direction,  to  cut  off  supplies 
and  reinforcements,  and,  if  practicable,  carry  the  heights. 

"  Owing  to  the  difficulties  of  the  ground  after  leaving  the  Marin, 
and  before  striking  the  Presquina  Grande  road,  the  division  had 
reached  only  six  miles,  in  consequence  of  the  delay  in  making  the 
route  practicable  for  artillery,  which  service  was  performed  by  Cap 
tain  Sanders,  at  six  o'clock,  P.  M.,  and  was  halted  just  without  the 
range  of  a  gun-battery  on  the  summit  of  an  isolated  hill  called  Loma 
de  Independencia,  midway  on  the  ascent  of  which  was  the  Bishop's 
Palace.  Thence  a  reconnoissance  was  made,  under  cover  of  de 
tachments  of  Hays's  Texans,  to  the  intersection  of  the  Presquina 
Grande  route,  then  in  our  possession,  with  the  Saltillo  road.  This 
examination  resulted  in  the  conviction  that  the  grounds  in  our  front 
and  on  our  left,  in  advance,  constituted  at  the  same  time  the  weak 
and  the  strong  points  of  the  enemy's  position,  and  entered  mainly 
into  the  defences  of  the  city — the  weak  point,  because  commanding 
the  only  lines  of  retreat  and  of  supply  in  the  direction  of  Saltillo, 
and  controlling  that  in  the  direction  of  Presquina  Grande  ;  the  strong 
point,  because  of  the  peculiarly  defensive  character  of  the  hills  and 
gorges,  and  of  the  very  careful  and  skilful  manner  with  which  they 
had  been  fortified  and  guarded.  It  was  also  clearly  indicated  that 
our  further  advance  would  be  strenuously  resisted. 

"  On  the  morning  of  the  21st,  the  division  was  put  in  motion, 
and  with  such  formation  as  to  present  the  readiest  order  of  battle,  on 
any  point  of  assault.  At  six,  the  advance,  consisting  of  Hays's 
Texans,  supported  by  the  light  companies,  1st  brigade,  under  Cap- 
lain  C.  F.  Smith  (both  extended  as  the  valley  widened  or  con- 
iracted),  closely  followed  by  Duncan's  light  artillery  and  battalion, 


94  MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.   WORTH. 

heads  of  columns,  on  turning  an  angle  of  the  mountain  at  a  hacienda 
called  San  Jeronimo,  came  upon  a  strong  force  of  cavalry  and  in 
fantry,  mostly  the  former.  A  conflict  immediately  ensued.  The 
Texans  received  the  heavy  charge  of  cavalry  with  their  unerring 
rifles  and  usual  gallantry ;  the  light  companies  opened  a  rapid  and 
well-directed  fire ;  Duncan's  battery  was  in  action  in  one  minute, 
(promptly  supported  by  a  section  of  Mackall's,)  delivering  its  fire 
over  the  heads  of  our  men.  Ere  the  close  of  the  combat,  which 
lasted  but  fifteen  minutes,  the  1st  brigade  had  formed  to  the  front, 
on  the  right  and  left,  and  delivered  its  fire.  The  2d  brigade  was 
held  in  reserve,  the  ground  not  admitting  of  its  deployment.  The 
enemy  retired  in  disorder  (leaving  on  the  ground  one  hundred  killed 
and  wounded  ;  among  the  former,  Don  Juan  N.  Najua,  colonel  of 
the  permanent  regiment  of  lancers,)  upon  the  Saltillo  road,  and  was 
closely  pursued,  until  we  got  possession  of  the  gorge,  where  all  the 
debouches  from  Monterey  unite,  whereby  the  force  just  defeated, 
as  also  reinforcements  and  supplies  from  that  direction,  were  ex 
cluded  from  entering  the  city.  At  this  important  point  the  division 
was  halted,  and  attention  directed  to  the  mountain  forts  which  en 
velope  the  city  on  its  western  and  south-western  faces.  Soon  dis 
covering,  however,  that  our  position  brought  us  within  effective 
range  of  the  batteries,  the  troops  were  advanced  some  eight  hundred 
yards  further  on  the  Saltillo  road. 

"The  examination,  thus  far,  had  manifested,  besides  the  impor 
tance  of  the  positions,  the  impracticability  of  any  effective  operations 
against  the  city,  until  possessed  of  the  exterior  forts  and  batteries. 
Independent,  however,  of  ulterior  objects,  the  occupation  of  these 
heights  became  indispensable  to  the  restoration  of  our  lines  of  com 
munication  with  head-quarters,  necessarily  abandoned  for  the  mo 
ment  in  order  to  secure  the  gorges  of  the  Saltillo  road.  At  twelve 
M.,  a  force  was  detached  under  Captain  C.  F.  Smith,  with  orders 
to  storm  the  batteries  on  the  crest  of  the  nearest  hill,  called  Federa 
tion,  and  after  taking  that,  to  carry  the  fort  called  Soldada,  on  the 
ridge  of  the  same  height,  retired  about  600  yards.  The  two  effec 
tually  guarded  the  slopes  and  roads  in  either  valley,  and  consequently 
the  approaches  to  the  city.  This  command  consisted  of  four  com 
panies  (K  2d,  B  3d,  and  G  and  H  4th  artillery,)  of  the  artillery 
battalion,  and  Green's,  McGowan's,  R.  A.  Gillespie's,  Chandler's, 
Ballone's,  and  McCulloch's  companies  of  Texan  riflemen,  under 


WORTH'S  OPERATIONS  AT  MONTEREY.  95 

Major  Chevalier,  acting  in  co-operation — in  all  about  three  hundred 
effectives.  It  was  impossible  to  mask  the  movement  of  the  storm 
ing  party.  On  approaching  the  base  of  the  mountain,  the  guns  of 
both  batteries  opened  a  plunging  fire,  and  numerous  light  troops 
were  seen  descending  and  arranging  themselves  at  favourable  points 
on  the  slopes.  Perceiving  the  indications  of  determined  resistance, 
Captain  Miles  was  detached  from  the  7th,  to  support  and  co-operate 
with  the  first  party. 

"  In  a  short  time  the  fire  became  general,  the  enemy  gradually 
yielding  and  retiring  up  the  rugged  acclivity,  and  our  men  as 
steadily  pursuing.  The  appearance  of  heavy  reinforcements  on  the 
summit,  and  the  cardinal  importance  of  the  operation  demanding 
further  support,  the  5th  under  Major  Scott,  and  Blanchard's  compa 
nies  of  volunteers  were  immediately  detached,  accompanied  by  Bri 
gadier-General  Smith,  who  was  instructed  to  take  direction  in  that 
quarter.  On  reaching  the  advance  parties,  General  Smith  discovered 
that  under  favour  of  the  ground,  he  could,  by  directing  a  portion  of 
the  force  to  the  right,  and  moving  it  obliquely  up  the  hill,  carry  the 
Soldada  simultaneously  with  the  Federacion.  He  accordingly  very 
judiciously  pointed  and  accompanied  the  5th,  7th,  and  Blanchard's 
company  in  that  direction.  Captain  Smith's  command  having  most 
gallantly  carried  the  first  object  of  attack,  promptly  turned  the  cap 
tured  gun — a  nine-pounder — upon  the  second,  and  moved  on  with 
his  main  body  to  participate  in  the  assault  on  Soldada,  which  was 
carried  in  gallant  style  by  the  forces  under  Scott,  Miles,  BJanchard, 
and  Hays  (who  had  been  detached  on  special  service,  but  who  re 
turned  in  time  to  share  with  fifty  of  his  men  in  the  first  assault,  and 
to  take  a  prominent  part  in  the  second),  the  whole  directed  by 
General  Smith. 

"At  this  point  we  secured  another  nine-pounder,  and  immediately 
both  pieces  were  brought  to  bear  upon  the  Bishop's  Palace,  situated 
upon  and  midway  the  southern  slope  of  the  hill  Independence,  a 
valley  of  only  six  hundred  yards  intervening.  We  had  now  secured 
an  important  advantage,  and  yet  but  half  the  work  was  done.  The 
possession  of  these  heights  only  made  the  more  apparent  the  con 
trolling  importance  of  those  opposite,  and  the  necessity  of  occupying 
the  palace.  A  violent  storm  ensued,  and  night  closing  in,  operations 
for  the  day  ceased.  The  troops  had  now  been  thirty-six  hours 
without  food,  and  constantly  tasked  to  the  utmost  physical  exertions. 


96  MAJOR-GENERAL    WILLIAM   J.    WORTH. 

Such  as  could  be  permitted  slept  with  arms  in  hand,  subjected  to  a 
pelting  storm,  and  without  covering  till  three  A.  M.,  when  they 
were  aroused  to  carry  the  hill  Independencia. 

"  Lieutenant-Colonel  Childs  was  assigned  to  lead  the  storming- 
parties,  consisting  of  three  companies,  I  and  G  (fourth),  and  A, 
(third  artillery  battalion ;)  three  companies  8th  infantry,  (A,  B,  and 
D,)  under  Captain  Scriven,  with  two  hundred  Texan  riflemen,  under 
Colonel  Hays  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Walker  (captain  of  rifles), 
acting  in  co-operation.  The  command  moved  at  three,  conducted 
to  its  point  of  ascent  by  Captain  Sanders,  military,  and  Lieutenant 
Meade,  topographical  engineers.  Favoured  by  the  weather,  it 
reached  by  the  dawn  of  day  within  about  one  hundred  yards  of  the 
crest,  in  which  position,  among  the  clefts  of  rocks,  a  body  of  the 
enemy  had  been  stationed  the  previous  evening  in  apparent  antici 
pation  of  the  attack.  The  enemy's  retreating  fire  was  ineffectual, 
and  not  returned  until  Colonels  Childs  and  Hays'  command  had 
reached  to  within  a  few  yards  of  the  summit,  when  a  well-directed 
and  destructive  fire,  followed  by  the  bayonet  of  the  regulars  and 
rush  of  the  Texans,  placed  us  in  possession  of  the  work ;  the  can 
non  having  been  previously  withdrawn,  no  impression  could  be 
made  upon  the  massive  walls  of  the  palace  or  its  outworks,  without 
artillery,  except  at  enormous  sacrifice. 

"Lieutenant  Rowland,  of  Duncan's  battery,  was  ordered  from  the 
main  rank  with  a  twelve-pound  howitzer,  and  in  two  hours  (aided 
by  fifty  men  from  the  line,  under  Captain  Sanders,  military  engi 
neer,  for  the  purpose  of  selecting  the  route  least  difficult)  that  enter 
prising  and  gallant  officer  had  his  guns  in  position,  having  ascended 
an  acclivity  as  rugged  as  steep,  between  seven  and  eight  hundred 
feet  in  two  hours.  A  fire  was  immediately  opened  from  the  howit 
zer,  covered  by  the  epaulement  of  the  captured  battery,  upon  the 
palace  and  its  outworks,  four  hundred  yards  distant,  and  soon  pro 
duced  a  visible  sensation.  Meanwhile,  to  reinforce  the  position,  the 
5th,  Major  Scott  and  Blanchard's  volunteers,  had  been  passed  from 
the  first  heights,  and  reached  the  second  in  time  to  participate  in 
the  operations  against  the  palace. 

"  After  many  affairs  of  light  troops  and  several  feints,  a  heavy 
sortie  was  made,  sustained  by  a  strong  corps  of  cavalry,  with  des 
perate  resolution,  to  repossess  the  heights.  Such  a  move  had  been 
anticipated  and  prepared  for.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Childs  had  ad- 


WORTH'S  OPERATIONS  AT  MONTEREY.  97 

vanced.  under  cover,  two  companies  of  light  troops  under  the  com- 
narid  of  Captain  Vinton,  acting  major,  and  judiciously  drawn  up 
the  main  body  of  his  command,  flanked  on  the  right  by  Hays,  and 
'eft  by  Walker's  Texans.  The  enemy  advanced  boldly,  was 
repulsed  by  one  general  discharge  from  all  arms,  fled  in  confusion, 
closely  pressed  by  Chi  Ids  and  Hays,  preceded  by  the  light  troops 
under  Vinton ;  and  while  they  fled  past,  our  troops  entered  the 
palace  and  fort.  In  a  few  moments  the  unpretending  flag  of  our 
union  had  replaced  the  gaudy  standard  of  Mexico.  The  captured 
guns  —  one  six-inch  howitzer,  one  twelve,  and  two  nine-pounder 
brass  guns,  together  with  Duncan's  and  MackalPs  field-batteries, 
which  came  up  at  a  gallop,  were  in  full  and  effective  play  upon 
the  retiring  and  confused  masses  that  filled  the  street  (of  which  we 
had  the  prolongation)  leading  to  the  nearest  plaza,  La  Capella,  also 
crowded  with  troops.  At  this  moment  the  enemy's  loss  was  heavy. 
The  investment  was  now  complete.  Except  the  forces  necessary 
to  hold  the  positions  on  Independencia  and  serve  the  guns  (shifted 
to  points  where  the  shot  could  be  made  to  reach  the  great  plaza), 
the  division  was  now  concentrated  around  the  palace,  and  prepara 
tion  made  to  assault  the  city  on  the  following  day,  or  sooner,  should 
the  general-in-chief  either  so  direct,  or,  before  communication  be 
had,  renew  the  assault  from  the  opposite  quarter.  In  the  mean  time 
attention  was  directed  to  every  provision  our  circumstances  per 
mitted,  to  alleviate  the  condition  of  our  wounded  soldiers  and 
officers ;  to  the  decent  interment  of  the  dead,  not  omitting  in  either 
respect  all  that  was  due  to  those  of  the  enemy. 

"  About  ten  A.  M.,  on  the  23d,  a  heavy  fire  was  heard  in  the  op 
posite  quarter.  Its  magnitude  and  continuance,  as  well  as  other 
circumstances,  did  not  permit  a  doubt  that  the  general  was  conduct- 
:ng  a  main  attack ;  and  that  his  orders  for  my  co-operation  (having 
to  travel  a  circuit  of  some  six  miles)  had  miscarried  or  failed  to 
leach  me,  by  means  of  the  numerous  cavalry  of  the  enemy.  Under 
these  convictions,  the  troops  were  instantly  ordered  to  commence  an 
operation,  which,  if  not  otherwise  directed,  I  had  designed  to  exe 
cute  in  part,  under  favour  of  the  night.  Two  columns  of  attack 
were  organized,  to  move  along  the  two  principal  streets,  leading 
from  our  position,  in  direction  of  the  great  plaza,  composed  of  light 
troops  slightly  extended,  with  orders  to  mask  the  men  whenever 
practicable,  avoid  those  points  swept  by  the  enemy's  artillery,  to 


98  MAJOR-GENERAL   WILLIAM   J.    WORTH. 

press  on  to  the  first  plaza,  Cape! la,  to  get  hold  of  the  ends  of  streets 
beyond,  then  enter  the  buildings,  and  by  means  of  picks  and  bars 
break  through  the  longitudinal  section  of  the  walls,  work  from 
house  to  house,  and  ascending  the  roofs,  to  place  themselves  on  the 
same  breast-height  with  the  enemy.  Light  artillery  by  sections  and 
pieces,  under  Duncan,  Roland,  Mackall,  Martin,  Hays,  Irons,  Clarke, 
and  Curd,  followed  at  suitable  intervals,  covered  by  reserves  to 
guard  the  pieces  and  the  whole  operation  against  the  probable  en 
terprises  of  cavalry  upon  our  left.  This  was  effectually  done  by 
seizing  and  commanding  the  head  of  every  cross  street.  The  streets 
were,  at  different  and  well-chosen  points,  barricaded  by  heavy  ma 
sonry  walls,  with  embrasures  for  one  or  more  guns,  and  in  every 
instance  well  supported  by  cross  batteries.  These  arrangements 
of  defence  gave  to  our  operations  at  this  moment  a  complicated  cha 
racter,  demanding  much  care  and  precaution ;  but  the  work  went 
on  steadily,  simultaneously,  and  successfully.  About  the  time  our 
assault  commenced,  the  fire  ceased  from  our  force  in  the  opposite 
quarter.  Disengaged  on  the  one  side,  the  enemy  was  enabled  to 
shift  men  and  guns  to  our  quarter,  as  was  soon  manifested  by  accu 
mulation  of  fire.  At  dark  we  had  worked  through  the  walls  and 
squares,  and  reached  to  within  one  block  of  the  great  plaza,  leaving 
a  covered  way  in  our  rear—carried  a  large  building  which  towered 
over  the  principal  defences,  and  during  the  night  and  ensuing  morn 
ing,  crowned  its  roof  with  two  howitzers  and  a  six-pounder.  All 
things  were  now  prepared  to  renew  the  assault  at  dawn  of  day, 
when  a  flag  was  sent  on,  asking  a  momentary  suspension  of  fire, 
which  led  to  the  capitulation  upon  terms  so  honourable  to  our  arms. 
"As  the  columns  of  attack  were  moving  from  the  palace  hill, 
Major  Munroe,  chief  of  artillery,  reached  me  with  a  ten-inch  mortar, 
which  was  immediately  advanced  to  the  plaza,  chapel,  put  in  posi 
tion  masked  by  the  church  wall,  its  bed  adjusted  as  rapidly  as  pos 
sible,  and  by  sunset  opened  upon  the  great  square.  At  this  period, 
our  troops  had  worked  to  within  one  square  of  the  plaza ;  the  exact 
position  of  our  comrades,  on  the  opposite  side,  was  not  known,  and* 
the  distance  of  the  position  to  be  assailed  by  the  bomb  battery,  but 
conjecturing  eight  hundred  yards  was  assumed,  and  the  fuze  and 
charge  regulated  accordingly;  the  first  shell  fell  a  little  short  of  the 
point  on  which  it  was  directed,  and.  beside  our  troops ;  a  slight  in 
crease  of  the  projecting  charge  gave  exact  results.  The  whole 


WORTH'S  OPERATIONS  AT  MONTEREY.     99 

service  was  managed  by  Major  Munroe,  most  admirably,  and,  com 
bined  with  other  operations,  exercised  a  decided  influence  upon  the 
final  results.  Early  on  the  morning  of  the  23d,  Major  Brown's 
artillery  battalion  was  despatched  with  a  select  command,  and  one 
section  of  MackalPs  battery,  under  Lieutenant  Irons,  to  occupy  the 
stone  mill  and  adjacent  grounds,  constituting,  one  league  in  advance, 
the  narrow  gorge  near  St.  Catarina.  The  major  took  possession, 
repulsed  the  enemy's  pickets,  and  was  preparing  his  command  to 
resist  any  attack,  when,  he  received  my  orders  to  retrace  his  steps, 
enter  the  city,  and  form  the  main  reserve  to  the  assaulting  columns. 
He  came  up  in  good  time  and  in  good  order,  and  was  at  once 
under  fire. 

"  On  the  25th,  in  conformity  to  the  articles  of  capitulation,  the 
citadel  was  taken  possession  of  by  a  command  consisting  of  two 
companies  of  each  regiment,  and  one  section  of  each  battery,  second 
division.  General  Smith  was  directed  to  take  command  of  this 
corps,  and  conduct  the  ceremony ;  which  duty  he  executed  with 
delicacy  to  the  unhappy  and  humiliated  foe. 

"  You  will  receive  lists  of  captured  munitions  of  war,  lists  of  such 
as  were  surrendered  having  already  been  handed  in.  It  is  a  source  of 
high  gratification  that  we  have  been  able  to  accomplish  such  fortunate 
results  with  so  moderate  a  sacrifice  of  gallant  men.  Annexed  is  a 
return  of  killed  and  wounded,  exhibiting  dates,  actions,  and  cir 
cumstances. 

"  When  every  officer  and  every  soldier,  regular  and  volunteer, 
has,  through  a  series  of  harassing  and  severe  conflicts,  in  the  valley 
and  on  the  mountain,  in  the  street  and  on  the  house-top,  cheerfully, 
bravely,  and  successfully  executed  every  service  and  complied  with 
every  exaction  of  valour  and  patriotism,  the  task  is  as  difficult  as 
delicate,  to  distinguish  individuals ;  and  yet  it  will  always  happen, 
as  it  has  always  happened  in  the  varied  scenes  of  battle  and  siege, 
that  fortune  presents  to  some  those  opportunities  which  all  would 
have  seized  with  gladness  and  avidity.  It  is  my  pleasing  and  grate 
ful  duty  to  present  to  the  consideration  of  the  general-in-chief,  and 
through  him  to  the  government,  the  distinguished  conduct  of  Briga 
dier-General  Smith,  colonel  of  rifles,  Brevet  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Childs,  artillery  battalion,  Colonel  Hays,  Texan  riflemen,  Brevet 
Captain  C.  F.  Smith,  2d  artillery,  commanding  light  troops  first 
brigade. 


100  MAJOR-GENERAL   WILLIAM   J.    WORTH. 

"  My  thanks  are  also  especially  due  to  Lieutenant-Colonel  Stani- 
ford,  8th,  (commanding  first  brigade,)  Major  Munroe,  chief  of  artil 
lery,  (general  staff;)  Brevet-Major  Brown,  Captain  J.  R.  Vinton, 
artillery  battalion;  Captain  J.  B.  Scott,  artillery  battalion  light 
troops  ;  Major  Scott,  commanding,  and  Captain  Merrill,  5th ;  Cap 
tains  Miles,  commanding,  Holmes  and  Ross,  7th  infantry,  and  Cap 
tain  Scriven,  commanding  8th  infantry ;  to  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Walker,  (captain  rifles,)  Major  Chevalier  and  Captain  McCulloch, 
of  the  Texan,  and  Captain  Blanchard,  Louisiana  volunteers ;  to 
Lieutenants  Mackall,  (commanding  battery,)  Roland,  Martin,  Hays, 
Irons,  Clarke,  and  Curd,  horse  artillery ;  Lieutenant  Longstreet, 
commanding  light  company,  8th ;  Lieutenant  Ayres,  artillery  bat 
talion,  who  was  among  the  first  in  the  assault  upon  the  Palace,  and 
who  secured  the  colours.  Each  of  the  officers  named,  either  headed 
special  detachments,  columns  of  attack,  storming  parties,  or  detached 
guns,  and  all  were  conspicuous  for  conduct  and  courage. 

"  My  attention  has  been  particularly  directed  by  General  Smith, 
to  the  gallant  conduct  of  Lieutenant  Gardner,  7th  infantry,  during 
the  assault  upon  the  city ;  on  which  occasion  he  threw  himself  in 
advance,  and  on  the  most  exposed  points,  animating  his  men  by  his 
brave  example.  Particular  attention  has  also  been  called  to  the 
Lieutenants  Nicholls,  (brothers)  Louisiana  volunteers,  as  having 
highly  distinguished  themselves  by  personal  daring  and  efficient 
service.  The  officers  of  brigade  and  regimental  staff  were  con 
spicuous  in  the  field,  or  in  their  particular  departments.  Lieutenants 
Hanson,  (commanding,)  Vanhorn,  aid-de-camp,  7th;  Lieutenant 
Robison,  5th,  (quartermaster's  department,)  on  the  staff  of  General 
Smith;  Lieutenant  and  Adjutant  Clark,  8th  infantry,  staff  1st 
brigade;  Lieutenant  Benjamin,  adjutant  artillery  battalion  —  Peck, 
ordnance  officer,  artillery  battalion ;  G.  Deas,  adjutant  5lh ;  and 
Page,  adjutant  7th  infantry,  are  highly  commended  by  their  respec 
tive  chiefs,  to  the  justness  of  which  I  have  the  pleasure  to  add  my 
personal  observation.  In  common  with  the  entire  division,  my  par 
ticular  thanks  are  tendered  to  Assistant  Surgeons,  Porter,  (senior,) 
Byrne,  Conrad,  De  Leon,  and  Roberts,  (medical  department,)  who 
were  ever  at  hand  in  the  close  fight,  promptly  administering  to  the 
wounded  and  suffering  soldier. 

'*  To  the  officers  of  the  staff,  general  and  personal,  more  espe 
cially  associated  with  myself —  Hon.  Colonel  Balie  Peyton,  Louisi- 


COMMENDATION    OF   OFFICERS.  101 

ana  troops,  who  did  me  the  honour  to  serve  as  aid-de-camp;  Cap 
tain  Sanders,  military  engineers  ;  Lieutenant  Meade,  topographical 
engineers ;  Lieutenants  E.  Deas,  Daniels,  and  Ripley,  quartermas 
ter's  and  commissary's  staff;  and  Lieutenants  Pemberton,  4th  artil 
lery,  and  Wood,  8th  infantry,  my  aids-de-camp*— I  have  to  express 
the  greatest  obligation.  In  such  diversified  operations  during  the 
three  days  and  nights,  they  were  constantly  in  motion,  performing 
every  executive  duty,  with  zeal  and  intelligence  only  surpassed  by 
daring  courage  in  conflict.  I  beg  to  commend  each  to  special  con 
sideration. 

'  "  We  have  to  lament  the  gallant  Captains  McKavett,  8th  infantry, 
an  officer  of  high  merit,  killed  on  the  21st,  and  Gillespie,  Texas 
volunteers,  on  the  22d.  The  latter  eminently  distinguished  himself 
while  leading  his  brave  company  at  the  storming  of  the  first  height, 
and  perished  in  seeking  similar  distinction  on  a  second  occasion ; 
Captain  Gatlin  and  Lieutenant  Potter,  7th,  Lieutenant  Rossell,  5th, 
and  Wainwright,  8th  infantry,  and  Lieutenant  Reece,  Texas  rifle 
men,  received  honourable,  happily  not  mortal  wounds. 

"  The  following  non-commissioned  officers  are  reported  as  having 
highly  distinguished  themselves :  Sergeants  Hazard,  4th,  and  Dil- 
worth,  3d  artillery ;  Quartermaster  Sergeant  Henry,  7th  infantry ; 
Cross,  company  C;  Rounds,  Bradford,  (colour  sergeants,)  and  Nogg, 
company  E  ;  Bailey,  company  I,  and  Ballard,  7th  infantry. 

"  In  the  several  conflicts  with  the  division,  the  enemy's  loss  is 
ascertained  to  exceed  four  hundred  and  fifty  men,  four  nine-pounders, 
one  twelve-pounder  brass  gun,  one  twenty-four-pounder  howitzer, 
and  two  national  (garrison)  standards  captured." 

Samuel  C.  Reid,  in  his  excellent  work, "  Scouting  Expeditions  of 
the  Texas  Rangers,"  gives  this  vivid  account  of  the  street-fight  in 
which  Worth's  men  were  engaged  : — 

"  Every  street  was  barricaded  with  heavy  works  of  masonry,  the 
walls  being  some  three  or  four  feet  thick,  with  embrasures  for  one 
or  more  guns,  which  raked  the  streets ;  the  walls  of  gardens  and 
sides  of  houses  were  all  loop-holed  for  musketry ;  the  tops  of  the 
houses  were  covered  with  troops,  who  were  sheltered  behind  para 
pets  some  four  feet  high,  upon  which  were  piled  sand-bags  for  their 
better  protection,  and  from  which  they  showered  down  a  hurricane 
of  balls. 

44  Between  three  and  four  o'clock,  from  the  cessation  of  the  fire 
9* 


102  MAJOR-GENERAL    WILLIAM   J.   WORTH. 

in  the  opposite  direction,  it  was  evident  that  the  enemy  had  become 
disengaged,  which  enabled  them  to  draw  off  men  and  guns  to  our 
side,  as  their  fire  had  now  become  almost  doubly  increased.  The 
street-fight  became  appalling — both  columns  were  now  closely  en 
gaged  with  the  enemy,  and  steadily  advanced  inch  by  inch — our 
artillery  was  heard  rumbling  over  the  paved  streets,  galloping  here 
and  there  as  the  emergency  required,  and  pouring  forth  a  blazing 
fire  of  grape  and  ball — volley  after  volley  of  musketry,  and  the  con 
tinued  peals  of  artillery  became  almost  deafening.  The  artillery  of 
both  sides  raked  the  streets,  the  balls  striking  the  houses  with  a  ter 
rible  crash,  while  amid  the  roar  of  battle  were  heard  the  battering 
instruments  used  by  the  Texans.  '  Doors  were  forced  open,  walls 
were  battered  down,  entrances  made  through  the  longitudinal  walls, 
and  the  enemy  driven  from  room  to  room,  and  from  house  to  house, 
followed  by  the  shrieks  of  women,  and  the  sharp  crack  of  Texan 
rifles.  Cheer  after  cheer  was  heard  in  proud  and  exulting  defiance, 
as  the  Texans  or  regulars  gained  the  house-tops  by  means  of  lad 
ders,  while  they  poured  in  a  rain  of  bullets  upon  the  enemy  on  the 
opposite  houses." 

The  same  writer  thus  speaks  of  General  Worth  : — 
"  The  position  General  Worth  then  occupied  might  have  been 
considered  as  critical  as  it  was  dangerous.  Separated  from  the  main 
body  of  the  army — his  communication  cut  off,  and  no  possible  route 
less  than  eight  miles  to  retain  it — with  but  scanty  supplies  of  pro 
visions  for  four  days,  surrounded  by  gorges  and  passes  of  the  moun 
tains,  from  whose  summits  belched  forth  the  destructive  shot,  shell, 
and  grape,  he  was  liable  at  any  moment  to  be  attacked  by  an  over 
whelming  force  in  the  direction  of  Saltillo,  which  had  been  reported 
to  be  daily  expected,  and  which  would  have  placed  his  command  in 
the  very  jaws  of  the  enemy.  For  although  holding  the  gorges  and 
passes  of  the  Saltillo  road,  yet  a  superior  force  from  the  advance 
would  certainly  have  forced  him  back  to,  and  have  turned  upon  him 
the  very  passes  which  he  then  held.  It  was  feared  too,  from  his 
impetuous  nature,  that  he  would  rush  his  command  into  unnecessary- 
danger  by  some  rash  and  desperate  attempt.  But  it  was  not  so. 
He  was  collected,  calm,  and  cool,  and  bore  himself  with  that  proud, 
resolute,  and  commanding  mien,  giving  his  orders  with  promptness 
and  decision,  which  inspired  men  and  officers  alike  with  confidence. 
He  never  appeared  better  than  on  that  day ;  and  all  felt  that  with 


WORTH'S  OPERATIONS  AT  MONTEREY.    103 

Worth  they  were  sure  of  victory.  He  knew  that  General  Taylor 
had  staked  the  issue  of  the  battle  on  him,  and  he  felt  the  great  and 
weighty  responsibility  that  rested  on  the  course  he  should  pursue. 
As  he  surveyed  with  his  glass  the  enemy's  works  before  him,  he 
seemed  to  feel  that  not  a  moment  was  to  be  lost.  He  saw  at  once 
that  it  would  be  necessary  to  carry  by  storm  the  battery  on  Federa- 
cion  hill,  situated  on  the  right  bank  of  the  San  Juan  de  Monterey, 
as  well  as  the  fort  on  the  ridge  of  tbe  same  height,  called  Soldada, 
about  six  hundred  yards  from  the  battery  on  the  crest  of  the  hill,  as 
these  two  batteries  commanded  the  approaches  from  the  Saltillo 
road,  as  well  as  the  egress  from  the  city.  For  this  purpose,  Captain 
C.  F.  Smith  of  the  2d  artillery  was  ordered  to  proceed  with  his 
own,  and  three  companies  of  the  artillery  battalion,  commanded  by 
Lieutenants  Shackelford,  Van  Vliet,  and  Phelps — accompanied  by 
Lieutenant  Edward  Deas,  of  the  quartermaster's  staff,  and  Lieute 
nant  Gibson,  together  with  two  companies  of  the  Texas  Rangers 
(dismounted),  under  our  brave  and  gallant  Major  Chevalier,  com 
manded  by  Captains  Gillespie,  Ballowe,  McCulloch,  Chandler, 
Green,  and  McGowan.  The  whole  command  numbered  in  all  three 
hundred  men,  more  than  half  of  whom  were  Rangers. 

"  It  was  now  about  twelve  o'clock,  and  the  meridian  sun  poured 
down  its  hottest  rays.  Before  us  stood  the  steep  and  rugged  hill, 
about  three  hundred  and  eighty  feet  high,  whose  slopes  were 
covered  with  thick  and  thorny  chapparal.  With  a  glass  could  be 
seen  the  swarm  of  Mexicans  that  crowned  the  height,  while  its 
cannon  that  looked  down  in  defiance  at  us,  seemed  to  threaten  with 
annihilation  all  who  dared  approach.  The  daring  of  the  expedi 
tion  was  thought  to  be  one  of  the  last  hope ;  and  men  looked  for 
ward  to  meet  death  calmly  in  the  face,  as  they  felt  that  it  was  only 
by  great  sacrifice  that  they  could  gain  a  victory.  General  Worth 
rode  up  as  the  command  moved  off,  and  pointing  to  the  height 
said  :  —  lMen  you  are  to  take  that  hill  and  I  know  you  will  do  it.1 
With  one  response  they  replied :  —  lWe  will;1  and  those  who  be 
fore  had  felt  a  doubt  as  to  its  practicability,  now  became  reanimated 
and  felt  themselves  invincible.  The  words  of  Worth  had  nerved 
every  arm,  and  hearts  swelled  with  that  proud  feeling  of  enthu 
siasm,  which  makes  men  indomitable  before  the  foe.  The  command 
took  up  its  line  of  march  along  the  Saltillo  road,  and  then  struck 
off  to  the  right  through  fields  of  corn  and  sugar,  in  single  file,  in 


104  MAJOR-GENERAL   WILLIAM   J.   WORTH. 

order  to  conceal,  as  far  as  possible,  the  movement  from  the  enemy. 
On  we  hurried  in  double  quick  time,  brustling  through  the  rows  of 
cane  and  corn  towards  the  river  bank.  It  was  soon  evident  that  we 
were  discovered,  and  while  yet  in  the  fields,  the  batteries  opened 
upon  us  a  fierce  and  plunging  fire,  enveloping  the  crown  of  the  hill 
with  smoke,  through  which  could  be  seen  the  blazing  of  the  cannon, 
which  seemed  to  vie  with  the  sunbeams'  glare.  On  we  pressed 
toward  their  murderous  artillery,  until  we  gained  the  bank  of  the 
rapid  stream,  which  we  had  to  cross.  Unprotected  and  exposed  to 
the  very  face  of  the  enemy,  a  terrific  storm  of  shot  and  grape  was 
now  poured  into  our  ranks.  Nothing  daunted  the  men  rushed  into 
the  sweeping  current,  waist  deep,  while  the  enemy's  shot,  as  it 
struck  the  water,  sent  forth  a  hissing  sound,  and  made  the  river  boil 
and  foam  with  the  whistling  windage  of  their  venomous  copper 
balls.  Bravely  did  our  men  stem  the  torrent  amid  the  shower  of 
galling  grape,  and  soon  we  reached  the  opposite  bank  and  clam 
bered  up  the  rocky  steep  without  the  loss  of  a  man." 

Worth  was  appointed  principal  of  the  delegation  to  negotiate  the 
capitulation,  and  contributed  more  than  any  other  man  to  a  final 
adjustment  of  the  unfortunate  issues  which  arose  during  the  deli 
berations. 

While  Taylor  remained  at  Monterey,  Worth  with  twelve  hun 
dred  men  and  eight  pieces  of  artillery,  marched  against  Saltillo,  of 
which  he  took  possession  without  the  slightest  opposition.  Here  he 
remained  until  the  middle  of  January,  when  he  was  ordered  to  pro 
ceed  with  the  regulars  and  volunteers  of  the  army  to  join  General 
Scott  at  Vera  Cruz. 

On  arriving  at  the  coast,  General  Worth  soon  convinced  all 
around  him  that  his  part  in  the  siege  was  to  be  an  active  one.  He 
is  among  the  very  few  officers  mentioned  by  Commodore  Conner  in 
his  description  of  the  landing.  The  latter  has  the  following  lan 
guage  descriptive  of  that  brilliant  scene :  — 

"  The  anchorage  near  this  place  being  extremely  contracted,  it 
became  necessary,  in  order  to  avoid  crowding  it  with  an  undue 
number  of  vessels,  to  transfer  most  of  the  troops  to  the  vessels  of 
war  for  transportation  to  Sacrificios.  Accordingly,  on  the  morning 
of  the  9th,  at  daylight,  all  necessary  preparations  —  such  as  launch 
ing  and  numbering  the  boats,  detailing  officers,  &c.,  —  having  been 
previously  made,  this  transfer  was  commenced.  The  frigates 


TROOPS  LANDED  AT  VERA  CRUZ.        105 

received  on  board  between  twenty-five  and  twenty-eight  hundred 
men  each,  with  their  arms  and  accoutrements,  and  the  sloops  and 
smaller  vessels  numbers  in  proportion.  This  part  of  the  movement 
was  completed  very  successfully  about  eleven  o'clock  A.  M.,  and  a 
few  minutes  thereafter  the  squadron  under  my  command,  accompa 
nied  by  the  commanding  general,  in  the  steamship  Massachusetts, 
and  such  of  the  transports  as  had  been  selected  for  the  purpose,  got 
under  way. 

"The  weather  was  very  fine  —  indeed  we  could  not  have  been 
more  favoured  in  this  particular  than  we  were.  We  had  a  fresh 
and  yet  gentle  breeze  from  the  south-east,  and  a  perfectly  smooth 
sea.  The  passage  to  Sacrificios  occupied  us  between  two  and 
three  hours.  Each  ship  came  in  and  anchored  without  the  slightest 
disorder  or  confusion,  in  the  small  space  allotted  to  her  —  the  har 
bour  being  still  very  much  crowded,  notwithstanding  the  number 
of  transports  we  had  left  behind.  The  disembarkation  commenced 
on  the  instant. 

"  Whilst  we  were  transferring  the  troops  from  the  ships  to  the 
surf-boats  (sixty-five  in  number),  I  directed  the  steamers  Spitfire 
and  Vixen,  and  the  five  gun-boats,  to  form  a  line  parallel  with  and 
close  in  to  the  beach,  to  cover  the  landing.  This  order  was  prompt 
ly  executed,  and  these  small  vessels,  from  the  lightness  of  their 
draught,  were  enabled  to  take  positions  within  good  grape-range  of 
the  shore.  As  the  boats  severally  received  their  compliments  of 
troops,  they  assembled  in  a  line,  abreast,  between  the  fleet  and  the 
gun-boats  ;  and  when  all  were  ready,  they  pulled  in  together,  under 
the  guidance  of  a  number  of  officers  of  the  squadron,  who  had  been 
detailed  for  this  purpose.  General  Worth  commanded  this,  the 
first  line  of  the  army,  and  had  the  satisfaction  of  forming  his  com 
mand  on  the  beach  and  neighbouring  heights  just  before  sunset. 
Four  thousand  five  hundred  men  were  thus  thrown  on  shore,  almost 
simultaneously.  No  enemy  appeared  to  offer  us  the  slightest  oppo 
sition.  The  first  line  being  landed,  the  boats  in  successive  trips  re 
lieved  the  men-of-war  and  transports  of  the  remaining  troops,  by  ten 
o'clock  P.  M.  The  whole  army  (save  a  few  straggling  companies), 
consisting  of  upwards  of  ten  thousand  men,  were  thus  safely  depo 
sited  on  shore,  without  the  slightest  accident  of  any  kind." 

An  eye-witness  of  the  same  scene  says  : 

"  General  Worth,  certainly  the  most  useful  man  in  command 
E* 


106  MAJOR-GENERAL    WILLIAM   J.    WORTH. 

here,  had  a  smart  brush  with  a  body  of  Mexicans  last  night  [March 
12th]  and  this  morning,  in  which  they  were  beaten.  A  cemetery 
about  one  mile  from  the  city  was  taken  possession  of,  and  fortified 
by  General  Worth." 

From  the  very  nature  of  a  siege,  few  individuals  save  the  artiller 
ists  are  able  to  distinguish  themselves.  Worth,  however,  received 
the  commendations  of  General  Scott,  and  was  appointed  to  negotiate 
the  terms  of  surrender.  He  also  attended  while  the  city  was  being 
evacuated  by  the  Mexicans,  and  was  subsequently  appointed  mili- 
•  tary  governor.  This  office  he  held  only  for  a  short  time,  moving 
with  the  army  in  its  march  toward  the  Mexican  capital.  At  Sierra 
Gordo,  he  marched  with  his  whole  division  to  support  the  left  of 
General  Twiggs,  in  the  attack  upon  the  main  fort.  During  the 
whole  time  he  was  exposed  to  the  full  range  of  the  enemy's  fire, 
but  in  unison  with  his  brother  officer  gallantly  carried  the  redoubt, 
and  completely  routed  the  garrison. 

On  the  22d  of  April,  Worth  captured  the  town  and  castle  of  Pe- 
rote,  one  of  the  strongest  in  Mexico.  It  contained  immense  quanti 
ties  of  ammunition,  ordnance,  small  arms  and  other  military  stores. 
On  the  16th  of  May  he  approached  the  city  of  Puebla.  Here  Santa 
Anna  had  a  portion  of  his  army,  with  which  he  was  collecting  pro 
visions  and  other  stores.  As  Worth  approached,  he  was  met  by 
about  fifteen  hundred  lancers,  and  a  skirmish  ensued  on  the  plains 
of  Amasoca,  in  which  the  enemy  lost  ten  in  killed  and  wounded. 
They  retreated,  and  were  pursued  over  the  plain,  and  through  the 
streets  of  the  city.  Santa  Anna  fled  at  the  same  time,  with  the  re 
maining  portion  of  his  troops. 

"  The  city  of  Puebla  is  located  on  a  plain,  and  the  main  posi 
tion  of  the  place  is  nearly  level,  the  streets  a  little  wider  than  those 
of  any  Mexican  towns  I  have  seen  —  the  style  of  building  is  nearly 
the  same  throughout  the  city ;  and  taking  it  all  through,  is  the  best 
built  town  or  city  I  have  ever  seen,  and  the  people  are  the  worst 
population  with  which  I  have  ever  come  in  contact.  The  streets 
are  daily  more  crowded  than  either  Chartres,  Camp,  or  St.  Charles 
streets,  of  New  Orleans,  and  depravity,  vice  and  degradation  are 
depicted  in  every  expression  of  the  great  mass,  from  the  infant  to 
the  aged  and  infirm.  It  seems  utterly  inconceivable  that  a  popula 
tion  of  this  kind  should  inhabit  such  a  beautiful  and  well-built  city. 
The  population,  I  heard  before  my  arrival,  was  about"  thirty  thou- 


DESCRIPTION    OF   PUEBLA.  107 

sand ;  from  all  the  information  I  can  get  I  do  not  think  it  contains 
less  than  sixty  thousand  souls.  The  people  of  this  place  (los  Pue- 
blanos)  are  noted  throughout  the  whole  of  Mexico  for  their  villany 
an.d  their  turbulent  spirit.  I  am  free  to  confess  that  I  do  not  think 
there  is  as  much  religion,  and  as  little  morality,  in  any  town  on  the 
continent  of  America,  as  can  be  found  here.  The  mass  of  the  peo 
ple  are  very  poor,  while  the  rich  are  very  rich — the  poor  are  always 
ready  to  engage  in  crimes  of  every  shape  and  hue,  and  prefer  vice 
to  labour  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  the  necessary  means  of  sup 
port.  There  are  upwards  of  one  hundred  churches,  seven  hundred 
priests,  and  the  value  of  the  church  property  is  a  little  over  one 
hundred  and  forty-eight  millions  of  dollars.  The  churches  are  all 
of  a  very  superior  order.  It  is  impossible  to  convey  an  idea  of  the 
magnificence  of  the  cathedral.  I  have  heard  men  who  have  seen 
every  public  building  in  the  United  States,  and  many  of  those  in 
foreign  countries,  state  that  they  have  never  seen  any  building  that 
would,  in  the  least  degree,  compare  with  the  elegance  and  gorgeous- 
ness  of  this  building  and  its  decorations  —  the  large  paintings,  solid 
massive  gold  and  gilded  carved  work,  are  all  of  the  finest  style,  and 
are  so  arranged  as  to  present  the  appearance  of  sublimity.  Although 
there  are  a  great  number  of  designs  and  paintings,  there  does  not 
appear  to  be  too  many  or  too  few,  but  just  enough  to  show  well. 
Like  all  other  places  in  this  country,  Puebla  has  its  places  of  amuse 
ment  and  resort.  The  Almeda  (a  large  public  garden)  with  its  wide 
walks,  blooming  flowers,  flowing  fountains,  and  shading  trees,  all 
within  a  permanent  and  neat  enclosure — theatres,  amphitheatre  for 
bull-fighting,  cockpits,  etc.,  to  all  of  which  the  men,  women  and 
children  flock  in  great  crowds  at  certain  seasons  of  the  year,  for  the 
purpose  of  enjoying  such  festivities  as  may 'be  on  hand.'  Bull 
fighting  is  their  great  national  amusement,  which  usually  takes  place 
on  Sundays  and  feast  days,  so  that  it  may  riot  interfere  with  their 
usual  business.  Church  in  the  morning,  and  bull-fighting  in  the 
evening,  and  a  fandango  at  night.  Men,  women  and  children,  of  all 
ages  and  conditions,  visit  the  arena  as  a  usual  pastime  amusement. 
When  the  desperate  conflict  commences,  they  all,  male  and  female, 
become  excited  alike,  the  men  rewarding  the  victors  with  roars  of 
applause,  and  the  ladies  with  the  waving  of  white  handkerchiefs. 
The  climate  is  a  most  pleasant  one,  the  temperature  varying  but 
little  between  winter  and  summer — the  nights  being  cool  enough  to 


108  MAJOR-GENERAL    WILLIAM   J.    WORTH. 

make  sleeping  under  a  blanket  comfortable,  and  the  days  warm 
enough  to  be  agreeable,  the  heat  not  oppressive,  and  juleps  desirable 
in  which  we  have  the  opportunity  of  indulging.  Snow  and  ice  are 
daily  brought  down  from  the  mountains,  and  hawked  through  the 
streets  for  sale.  From  the  peculiar  adaptation  of  the  climate  and 
soil  to  the  culture  of  all  kinds  of  fruit,  grain,  and  vegetables,  there 
is  one  of  the  best  supplied  markets  here  I  have  ever  seen — there  is 
an  abundance  of  all  the  fruits  and  vegetables  of  the  northern  parts 
of  the  United  States,  together  with  those  of  the  south  and  West  In 
dies.  The  meats  and  fowl  are  very  fine,  and  the  supply  good,  though, 
unlike  our  country,  it  is  never  offered  for  sale  in  the  public  market 
places,  but  usually  kept  in  private  store-houses  in  different  parts  of 
the  city.  The  rainy  season  has  fairly  commenced,  but  I  cannot  say 
it  is  at  all  unpleasant  —  the  sun  shines  out  fair  and  brilliant  in  the 
morning,  and  so  continues  until  about  two  o'clock,  when  suddenly  a 
dark  heavy  cloud  makes  its  appearance  on  the  mountain-side,  and 
soon  passes  over  the  valley,  enveloping  it  in  darkness,  and  pouring 
out  its  floods  of  water,  which  completely  drench  the  earth  for  about 
four  hours,  when  the  rain  usually  ceases  ;  in  half  an  hour  the  streets 
are  as  dry  as  if  there  had  not  been  a  rain  for  twelve  months  —  all 
classes  and  conditions  again  sally  out  into  the  streets,  and  the  city 
soon  becomes  the  theatre  of  a  motley  crowd  ;  those  who  can  lay  any 
claim  to  decency  are  the  more  gay  and  lively,  while  vice  and  im 
morality,  as  if  invigorated  by  a  short  respite,  come  out  in  all  the  gay 
and  inviting  dresses  calculated  to  allure  and  deceive." 

Puebla  became  the  head-quarters  of  the  army  until  the  8th  of 
August,  when  General  Scott  commenced  his  march  for  the  capital. 
He  led  the  advance  while  marching  around  Lake  Chalco,  and  was 
the  first  to  reach  the  hacienda  of  San  Gregoria,  when  a  halt  was 
ordered,  in  consequence  of  General  Twiggs  having  met  a  large  force 
of  the  enemy  near  Chalco. 

On  the  17th,  General  Worth  renewed  his  march  over  a  terribly 
bad  road,  but  by  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning  he  was  in  sight  of  the 
domes  and  spires  of  the  capital,  without  any  opposition,  except  that 
rocks  had  been  rolled,  into  the  road,  and  ditches  dug,  evidently 
showing  that  General  Scott  had  stolen  a  march  on  Santa  Anna.  On 
reaching  this  point,  however,  a  scattering  fire  was  opened  by  a  force 
stationed  in  an  advantageous  position,  which  was  soon  silenced  by 
Colonel  Smith's  light  battalion  of  the  2d  artillery,  under  Major  Galb. 


MARCH    ON    THE    CAPITAL.  109 

Another  attack  was  shortly  after  made,  but  again  the  enemy's  pickets 
were  driven  in  without  loss. 

At  seven  o'clock  on  the  18th,  General  Scott  arrived  at  San  Au 
gustine,  and  at  ten  o'clock  General  Worth  was  in  full  march  for  the 
city  of  Mexico  by  the  main  road.  Majors  Smith  and  Turnbull, 
Captain  Mason  and  other  engineer  officers,  were  sent  in  advance, 
supported  by  Captain  Blake's  squadron  of  dragoons,  to  reconnoitre, 
when  a  masked  battery  was  opened  on  them,  and  the  first  ball  from 
an  eighteen-pounder  killed  Captain  Thornton  of  the  2d  dragoons, 
besides  seriously  wounding  a  guide. 

Colonel  Garland's  brigade  was  ordered  to  occupy  a  position  in 
plain  sight  of  the  enemy's  batteries  at  San  Antonio,  whilst  Colonel 
Stark's  brigade  and  Duncan's  battery  took  their  station  in  the  rear 
close  by.  A  party  was  then  sent  out  to  reconnoitre  to  ascertain  the 
practicability  of  finding  a  road  by  which  the  village  of  San  Angel 
could  be  reached,  and  the  stronghold  of  San  Antonio  thus  turned ; 
this  party  had  a  skirmish  with  the  enemy,  killing  five  or  six,  and 
taking  as  many  prisoners,  without  losing  a  man. 

The  result  of  the  reconnoissance  was  favourable,  and  it  was  ascer 
tained  that  a  road  could  be  made.  The  Mexicans  were  plainly  seen 
in  force  near  Bronteras,  and  at  a  council  held  that  night  it  was  de 
termined  to  attack  them  in  the  morning.  While  this  reconnoissance 
was  going  on,  General  Worth  had  established  himself  at  the  hacienda 
of  Buvera,  from  the  windows  of  which  countless  numbers  of  the 
enemy  could  be  seen  at  work  upon  the  batteries  of  San  Antonio. 
About  noon  they  opened  upon  the  hacienda  with  both  round  shot 
and  shell.  Nearly  every  shot  took  effect,  but  did  no  damage,  except 
to  the  buildings.  Late  in  the  evening  they  ceased  firing,  and  were 
silent  during  the  remainder  of  the  night.  Had  the  fire  been  kept 
up,  the  hacienda  might  have  been  torn  to  pieces,  and  the  entire 
command  compelled  to  retire. 

At  eight  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  19th,  the  batteries  again 
opened  on  General  Worth's  position.  So  hot  was  the  fire  that  the 
troops  were  compelled  to  gain  shelter  behind  the  buildings,  but  did 
not  give  up  their  position.  About  nine  o'clock  the  divisions  of 
Twiggs  and  Pillow  were  ordered  to  march  in  the  direction  of  Bron 
teras,  and  by  one  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  were  in  plain  sight  of  the 
enemy's  batteries,  and  within  range  of  the  heavier  guns.  The  bri 
gade  of  Colonel  P.  F.  Smith  was  ordered  to  advance  directly  towards 
10 


110  MAJOR-GENERAL   WILLIAM   J.   WORTH. 

the  enemy's  works,  whilst  that  of  Colonel  Riley  moved  towards  a 
small  village  at  the  right,  and  thus  cut  off  reinforcements  which 
might  be  sent  to  Valencia  from  the  city.  An  incessant  fire  was 
opened  on  Colonel  Smith's  command,  and  soon  the  rifles  were  en 
gaged  with  the  pickets  of  the  enemy,  driving  them  in.  The  twelve- 
pounder  battery  of  Captain  Magruder,  and  the  mountain  howitzer 
batteries  now  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Callender  of  the  ordnance 
department,  were  pressed  forward  and  opened  on  the  enemy,  but 
were  so  much  exposed  to  a  fire  from  heavier  guns,  that  they  were 
soon  silenced.  Lieutenants  Johnson  and  Callender  were  seriously 
wounded. 

At  three  o'clock,  General  Cadwalader  was  ordered  out  to  support 
Colonel  Riley — heavy  reinforcements  having  been  seen  on  their 
way  out  from  the  city,  whilst  General  Pierce  was  sent  to  sustain 
General  Smith.  The  firing  from  the  enemy's  batteries  was  inces 
sant.  About  four  o'clock  General  Scott  arrived,  and  seeing  the 
immense  strength  of  the  Mexicans,  at  once  ordered  General  Shields' 
brigade  to  support  Riley  and  Cadwalader,  and  prevent,  if  possible, 
a  junction  of  the  forces  coming  out  of  the  city,  with  those  of  Valen 
cia.  But  few  of  the  movements  of  our  troops  could  be  seen,  but 
every  motion  of  the  enemy  was  visible.  The  order  of  battle  of 
Valencia  was  most  imposing.  His  infantry  was  seen  drawn  up  to 
support  the  batteries,  whilst  long  lines  of  the  enemy's  cavalry  were 
stationed  in  the  rear,  as  if  awaiting  the  shock  of  the  battle. 

Two  separate  charges  of  the  latter  were  distinctly  seen  to  be  re 
pulsed  by  Colonel  Riley.  Until  night  had  fairly  closed  in,  the  firing 
from  the  enemy  s  batteries  had  not  slackened  ;  it  had  been  a  con 
tinuous  roar  for  nearly  six  hours. 

General  Scott  retired  to  San  Augustine  about  eight  o'clock,  in  the 
midst  of  a  hard  rain,  and  Generals  Twiggs  and  Pillow  came  in  about 
eleven  o'clock,  completely  exhausted,  not  anticipating  the  great 
strength  of  the  works  of  the  enemy. 

It  was  thought  that  the  batteries  could  be  taken  at  a  dash,  and 
that  the  troops  would  be  comfortably  quartered  at  San  Angel  for  the 
night;  instead  of  this  a  large  portion  of  them  were  compelled  to 
bivouack,  without  blankets,  in  the  midst  of  a  pitiless  storm. 

On  the  morning  of  the  20th,  General  Worth  was  ordered  to  move 
a  part  of  his  division  (Garland's  brigade)  to  aid  in  the  attack  on 
Valencia,  for  to  force  this  position  was  deemed  indispensable. 

At  seven  o'clock,  a  few  discharges  of  cannon  were  heard,  and 


SAN  ANTONIO  CAPTURED.  Ill 

the  rattling  of  musketry,  and  some  even  said,  that  in  the  distance 
horses  of  the  enemy  could  be  seen  flying  towards  the  city,  yet  few 
deemed  that  the  batteries  had  been  stormed  and  carried,  yet  it  was 
so.  General  Scott,  accompanied  by  General  Worth,  started  for 
the  scene  of  action,  when  they  were  met  by  Captain  Mason,  with 
the  joyful  intelligence  that  Valencia  had  been  completely  routed 
after  a  terrible  struggle. 

The  attack  upon  his  works  was  planned  by  General  Smith,  and 
resulted  in  the  capture  of  fifteen  pieces  of  artillery  and  some  fifteen 
hundred  prisoners,  among  them  Generals  Blanco,  Garcia,  Mendoza 
and  the  notorious  Salas.  He  also  captured  all  the  ammunition  and 
camp  furniture,  and  the  road  over  which  those  who  escaped  fled 
was  strewed  with  muskets.  No  less  than  seven  hundred  of  the 
enemy,  among  them  many  officers,  were  left  dead  upon  the  field, 
whilst  the  number  of  wounded  was  far  greater. 

The  works  of  Bronte ras  were  completely  in  the  power  of  the 
American  army. 

General  Scott  at  once  ordered  General  Worth  to  fall  back  on  San 
Antonio,  to  turn  and  capture  that  work,  and  then  push  on  towards 
the  capital  by  the  main  road,  whilst  the  main  body  of  the  army 
moved  on  towards  San  Angel  and  Cohoycam. 

General  Twiggs  had  scarcely  moved  a  half  a  mile  beyond  the  lat 
ter  village,  when  a  rattling  fire  of  musketry  announced  that  our  forces 
was  actively  engaged  with  the  outposts  of  the  enemy,  and  the  heavy 
booming  of  cannon  now  gave  token  that  the  noted  second  division 
had  fallen  on  another  strong  work. 

A  few  minutes  more  and  a  tremendous  firing  from  the  right  made 
it  evident  that  General  Worth's  division  was  also  actively  engaged  ; 
he  had  completely  turned  the  strong  works  of  San  Antonio,  but 
while  doing  so,  the  enemy  had  abandoned  the  place  with  a  loss  of 
three  heavy  guns,  and  had  fallen  back  on  a  second  and  stronger 
line  of  works. 

It  was  now  one  o'clock,  P.  M.,  and  about  the  commencement  of 
the  battles,  and  such  a  rattling  of  fire-arms  has  seldom  or  never  been 
heard  on  the  continent  of  America,  accompanied  with  such  booming 
of  artillery ;  and  this  was  continued  over  two  hours,  when  the 
enemy  was  completely  routed  from  every  point,  and  until  those  who 
were  not  killed  or  taken  prisoners  were  in  full  flight  for  the  city. 

The  strength  of  the  enemy  in  this  battle  is  known  to  have  been 


112  MAJOR-GENERAL   WILLIAM   J.   WORTH. 

fifteen  or  twenty  thousand,  all  fresh  troops,  and  occupying  a  posi 
tion  of  uncommon  strength.  Opposed  to  them  were  about  six  thou 
sand  Americans,  jaded  and  broken  down  by  marches,  counter 
marches,  and  incessant  toil. 

After  these  brilliant  victories  the  succeeding  armistice  delayed  the 
operations  of  the  army  more  than  two  weeks ;  but  as  all  attempts  to 
conclude  a  treaty  had  failed,  both  armies  prepared  for  another  despe 
rate  struggle.  On  the  7th,  the  American  army  commenced  recon- 
noissances  of  the  enemy's  positions,  with  the  purpose  of  making  an 
immediate  attack. 

"  The  same  afternoon,"  says  General  Scott,  "  a  large  body  of  the 
enemy  was  discovered  hovering  about  the  Molinos  del  Key,  within 
a  mile  and  a  third  of  this  village,  where  I  am  quartered  with  the 
general  staff  and  Worth's  division. 

"  It  might  have  been  supposed  that  an  attack  upon  us  was  in 
tended  ;  but  knowing  the  great  value  to  the  enemy  of  those  mills, 
(Molinos  del  Hey,}  containing  a  cannon  foundry,  with  a  large  de 
posit  of  powder  in  Casa  Mata  near  them  ;  and  having  heard,  two 
days  before,  that  many  church  bells  had  been  sent  out  to  be  cast  into 
guns,  the  enemy's  movement  was  easily  understood,  and  I  resolved, 
at  once,  to  drive  him  early  the  next  morning,  to  seize  the  powder, 
and  to  destroy  the  foundry. 

"Another  motive  for  this  decision  —  leaving  the  general  plan  of 
attack  upon  the  city  for  full  reconnoissances  —  was,  that  we  knew 
our  recent  captures  had  left  the  enemy  not  a  fourth  of  the  guns  ne 
cessary  to  arm,  all  at  the  same  time,  the  strong  works  at  each  of  the 
eight  city  gates ;  and  we  could  not  cut  the  communication  between 
the  capital  and  the  foundry  without  first  taking  the  formidable  castle 
on  the  heights  of  Chapultepec,  which  overlooked  both  and  stood 
between. 

"  For  this  difficult  operation  we  were  not  entirely  ready ;  and, 
moreover,  we  might  altogether  neglect  the  castle,  if,  as  we  then 
hoped,  our  reconnoissances  should  prove  that  the  distant  southern 
approaches  to  the  city  were  more  eligible  than  this  south-western 
approach. 

"Hence  the  decision  promptly  taken,  the  execution  of  which 
Was  assigned  to  Brevet  Major-General  Worth,  whose  division  was 
reinforced  with  Cadvvalader's  brigade  of  Pillow's  division,  threo 
squadrons  of  dragoons  under  Major  Sumner,  and  some  heavy  guns 


BATTLE   OF   MOLING    DEL   KEY.  113 

of  the  siege-train  under  Captain  Huger,  of  the  ordnance,  and  Cap 
tain  Drum,  of  the  4th  artillery — two  officers  of  the  highest  merit 

"  For  the  decisive  and  brilliant  results,  I  beg  to  refer  to  the  report 
of  the  immediate  commander,  Major-General  Worth,  in  whose  com 
mendations  of  the  gallant  officers  and  men,  dead  and  living,  I 
heartily  concur ;  having  witnessed,  but  with  little  interference,  their 
noble  devotion  to  fame  and  to  country." 

General  Worth  gives  the  following  graphic  account  of  this  battle : 

"Sm:  Under  the  inconvenient  circumstances  incident  to  recent 
battle,  and  derangement  from  loss  of  commanders  —  staff,  commis 
sioned,  and  non-commissioned — and  amid  the  active  scenes  resulting 
therefrom,  I  proceed  to  make  a  report,  in  obedience  to  the  orders  of 
the  general-in-chief,  of  the  battle  of  El  Molino  del  Rey,  fought  and 
won  on  the  8th  of  September,  1847,  by  the  first  division,  reinforced 
as  follows : 

"  1st.  Three  squadrons  of  dragoons  and  one  company  of  mounted 
riflemen  —  two  hundred  and  seventy  men,  under  Major  Sumner, 
2d  dragoons. 

"  2d.  Three  pieces  of  field  artillery,  under  Captain  Drum. 

"  3d.  Two  battering  guns,  (twenty-four-pounders,)  under  Cap 
tain  Huger. 

"4th.  Cadwalader's  brigade,  seven  hundred  and  eighty-four 
strong,  consisting  of  the  voltigeur  regiment,  the  llth  and  14th  regi 
ments  of  infantry. 

"  Having,  in  the  course  of  the  7th,  accompanied  the  general-in- 
chief  on  a  reconnoissance  of  the  formidable  dispositions  of  the 
enemy  near  and  around  the  castle  of  Chapultepec,  they  were  found 
to  exhibit  an  extended  line  of  cavalry  and  infantry,  sustained  by  a 
field-battery  of  four  guns,  occupying  directly,  or  sustaining  a  system 
of  defences  collateral  to  the  castle  and  summit.  This  examination 
gave  fair  observation  of  the  configuration  of  the  grounds  and  the 
extent  of  the  enemy's  force  ;  but,  as  appeared  in  the  sequel,  an  in 
adequate  idea  of  the  nature  of  his  defences,  they  being  skilfully 
masked. 

"  The  general-in-chief  ordered  that  my  division,  reinforced  as  be 
fore  mentioned,  should  attack  and  carry  those  lines  and  defences, 
eapture  the  enemy's  artillery,  destroy  the  machinery  and  material 
supposed  to  be  in  the  foundry,  (El  Molino  del  Rey,)  but  limiting 
10* 


114  MAJOR-GENERAL   WILLIAM   J.   WORTH. 

the  operations  to  that  extent ;  after  which  my  command  was  to  be 
immediately  withdrawn  to  its  position  in  the  village  of  Tacubaya. 

"A  close  and  daring  reconnoissance,  by  Captain  Mason,  of  the 
engineers,  made  on  the  morning  of  the  7th,  represented  the  enemy's 
lines  collateral  to  Chapultepec  to  be  as  follows:  His  left  rested  upon 
and  occupied  a  group  of  strong  stone  buildings,  called  El  Molino 
del  Rey,  adjoining  the  grove  at  the  foot  of  the  hill  of  Chapultepec, 
and  directly  under  the  guns  of  the  castle  which  crowns  its  summit. 
The  right  of  his  line  rested  upon  another  stone  building,  called  Casa 
Mata,  situated  at  the  foot  of  the  ridge  that  slopes  gradually  from  the 
heights  above  the  village  of  Tacubaya  to  the  plain  below.  Midway 
between  these  buildings  was  the  enemy's  field-battery,  and  his  in 
fantry  forces  were  disposed  on  either  side  to  support  it.  This  re 
connoissance  was  verified  by  Captain  Mason  and  Colonel  Duncan 
on  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day.  The  result  indicated  that  the 
centre  was  the  weak  point  of  the  enemy's  position,  and  that  his 
flanks  were  the  strong  points,  his  left  flank  being  the  stronger. 

"  As  the  enemy's  system  of  defence  was  connected  with  the  hill 
and  castle  of  Chapultepec,  and  as  my  operations  were  limited  to  a 
specific  object,  it  became  necessary  to  isolate  the  work  to  be  accom 
plished  from  the  castle  of  Chapultepec  and  its  immediate  defences. 
To  effect  this  object  the  following  dispositions  were  ordered :  Colonel 
Garland's  brigade  to  take  position  on  the  right,  strengthened  by  two 
pieces  of  Captain  Drum's  battery,  to  look  to  El  Molino  del  Rey  as 
well  as  any  support  of  this  position  from  Chapultepec ;  and  also 
within  sustaining  distance  of  the  assaulting  party  and  the  battering 
guns,  which,  under  Captain  Huger,  were  placed  on  the  ridge,  five 
or  six  hundred  yards  from  El  Molino  del  Rey,  to  batter  and  loosen 
this  position  from  Chapultepec.  An  assaulting  party  of  five  hun 
dred  picked  men  and  officers,  under  command  of  Brevet-Major 
George  Wright,  8th  infantry,  was  also  posted  on  the  ridge  to  the 
left  of  the  battering  guns,  to  force  the  enemy's  centre.  The  2d 
(Clark's)  brigade,  the  command  of  which  devolved  on  Colonel 
Mclntosh,  (Colonel  Clark  being  sick,)  with  Duncan's  battery,  was 
to  take  post  still  further  up  the  ridge,  opposite  the  enemy's  right,  to 
look  to  our  left  flank  to  sustain  the  assaulting  column  if  necessary, 
or  to  discomfit  the  enemy,  (the  ground  being  favourable,)  as  circum 
stances  might  require.  Cadwalader's  brigade  was  held  in  reserve, 
in  a  position  on  the  ridge,  between  the  battering  guns  and  Mcln- 


BATTLE    OF    MOLING    DEL    KEY.  115 

tosh's  brigade,  and  in  easy  support  of  either.  The  cavalry,  under 
Major  Sumner,  to  envelope  our  extreme  left,  and  be  governed  by 
circumstances  —  to  repel  or  attack,  as  the  commander's  judgment 
might  suggest.  The  troops  to  be  put  in  position  under  cover  of  the 
night,  and  the  work  to  begin  as  soon  as  the  heavy  metal  could  be 
properly  directed.  Colonel  Duncan  was  charged  with  the  general 
disposition  of  the  artillery.  Accordingly,  at  3  o'clock  in  the  morn 
ing  of  the  8th,  the  several  columns  were  put  in  motion,  on  as  many 
different  routes ;  and,  when  the  gray  of  the  morning  enabled  them 
to  be  seen,  they  were  as  accurately  in  position  as  if  posted  in  mid 
day  for  review.  The  early  dawn  was  the  moment  appointed  for  the 
attack,  which  was  announced  to  our  troops  by  the  opening  of  Hu- 
ger's  guns  on  El  Molino  del  Rey,  upon  which  they  continued  to 
play  actively  until  this  point  of  the  enemy's  line  became  sensibly 
shaken,  when  the  assaulting  party,  commanded  by  Wright,  and 
guided  by  that  accomplished  officer,  Captain  Mason,  of  the  engi 
neers,  assisted  by  Lieutenant  Foster,  dashed  gallantly  forward  to  the 
assault.  Unshaken  by  the  galling  fire  of  musketry  and  canister 
that  was  showered  upon  them,  o.n  they  rushed,  driving  infantry  and 
artillery-men  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet.  The  enemy's  field-bat 
tery  was  taken,  and  his  own  guns  were  trailed  upon  his  retreating 
masses ;  before,  however,  they  could  be  discharged,  perceiving  that 
he  had  been  dispossessed  of  this  strong  position  by  comparatively  a 
handful  of  men,  he  made  a  desperate  effort  to  regain  it.  Accord 
ingly,  his  retiring  forces  rallied  and  formed  with  this  object.  Aided 
by  the  infantry,  which1  covered  the  house-tops,  (within  reach  of 
which  the  battery  had  been  moved  during  the  night,)  the  enemy's 
whole  line  opened  upon  the  assaulting  party  a  terrific  fire  of  mus 
ketry,  which  struck  down  eleven  out  of  the  fourteen  officers  thai 
composed  the  command,  and  non-commissioned  officers  and  men  in 
proportion ;  including  among  the  officers  Brevet-Major  Wright,  the 
commander ;  Captain  Mason  and  Lieutenant  Foster,  engineers  ;  all 
severely  wounded. 

"  This  severe  shock  staggered  for  a  moment  that  gallant  band 
The  light  battalion,  held  to  cover  Huger's  battery,  under  Captain 
E.  Kirby  Smith,  (Lieutenant-Colonel  Smith  being  sick,)  and  the 
right  wing  of  Cadwalader's  brigade,  were  promptly  ordered  forward 
to  support,  which  order  was  executed  in  the  most  gallant  style ;  the 
enemy  was  again  routed,  and  this  point  of  his  line  carried,  and  fully 


116  MAJOR-GENERAL   WILLIAM   J.   WORTH. 

possessed  by  our  troops.  In  the  mean  time  Garland's  (1st)  brigade, 
ably  sustained  by  Captain  Drum's  artillery,  assaulted  the  enemy's 
left,  and,  after  an  obstinate  and  very  severe  contest,  drove  him  from 
this  apparently  impregnable  position,  immediately  under  the  guns 
of  the  castle  of  Chapultepec.  Drum's  section,  and  the  battering 
guns  under  Captain  Huger,  advanced  to  the  enemy's  position,  and 
the  captured  guns  of  the  enemy  were  now  opened  on  his  retreating 
forces,  on  which  they  continued  to  fire  until  beyond  their  reach. 
While  this  work  was  in  progress  of  accomplishment  by  our  centre 
and  right,  our  troops  on  the  left  were  not  idle.  Duncan's  battery 
opened  on  the  right  of  the  enemy's  line,  up  to  this  time  engaged ; 
and  the  2d  brigade,  under  Colonel  Mclntosh,  was  now  ordered  to 
assault  the  extreme  right  of  the  enemy's  line.  The  direction  of  this 
brigade  soon  caused  it  to  mask  Duncan's  battery,  the  fire  of  which, 
for  the  moment,  was  discontinued ;  and  the  brigade  moved  steadily 
on  to  the  assault  of  Casa  Mata,  which,  instead  of  an  ordinary  field 
entrenchment,  as  was  supposed,  proved  to  be  a  strong  stone 'citadel, 
surrounded  with  bastioned  entrenchments  and  impassable  ditches — 
an  old  Spanish  work,  recently  repaired  and  enlarged.  When  within 
easy  musket  range,  the  enemy  opened  a  most  deadly  fire  upon  our 
advancing  troops,  which  was  kept  up,  without  intermission,  until 
our  gallant  men  reached  the  very  slope  of  the  parapet  of  the  work 
that  surrounded  the  citadel.  By  this  time  a  large  proportion  of  the 
command  was  either  killed  or  wounded,  amongst  whom  were  the 
three  senior  officers  present,  Brevet  Colonel  Mclntosh,  Brevet  Lieu 
tenant-Colonel  Scott,  of  the  5th  infantry,  and  Major  Waite,  8th  in 
fantry  ;  the  second  killed,  and  the  first  and  last  desperately  wounded. 
Still,  the  fire  from  the  citadel  was  unabated.  In  this  crisis  of  the 
attack,  the  command  was  momentarily  thrown  into  disorder,  and  fell 
back  on  the  left  of  Duncan's  battery,  where  they  rallied.  As  the  2d 
brigade  moved  to  the  assault,  a  very  large  cavalry  and  infantry  force 
was  discovered  approaching  rapidly  upon  our  left  flank,  to  reinforce 
the  enemy's  right.  As  soon  as  Duncan's  battery  was  masked,  as 
before  mentioned,  supported  by  Andrews's  voltigeurs,  of  Cadwala- 
der's  brigade,  it  moved  promptly  to  the  extreme  left  of  our  line  to 
check  the  threatened  assault  on  this  point.  The  enemy's  cavalry 
came  rapidly  within  canister  range,  when  the  whole  battery  opened 
a  most  effective  fire,  which  soon  broke  the  squadrons  and  drove  them 
back  in  disorder.  During  this  fire  upon  the  enemy's  cavalry,  Major 


BATTLE   OF   MOLING   DEL   KEY.  117 

Sumner's  command  moved  to  the  front,  and  changed  direction  in 
admirable  order,  under  a  most  appalling  fire  from  the  Casa  Mata. 
This  movement  enabled  his  command  to  cross  the  ravine  imme 
diately  on  the  left  of  Duncan's  battery,  where  it  remained,  doing 
noble  service  until  the  close  of  the  action.  At  the  very  moment  the 
cavalry  were  driven  beyond  reach,  our  own  troops  drew  back  from 
before  the  Casa  Mata,  and  enabled  the  guns  of  Duncan's  battery  to 
re-open  upon  this  position,  which,  after  a  short  and  well-directed 
fire,  the  enemy  abandoned.  The  guns  of  the  battery  were  now 
turned  upon  his  retreating  columns,  and  continued  to  play  upon 
them  until  beyond  reach. 

"  He  was  now  driven  from  every  point  of  the  field,  and  his  strong 
lines,  which  had  certainly  been  defended  well,  were  in  our  posses 
sion.  In  fulfilment  of  the  instructions  of  the  general-in-chief,  the 
Casa  Mata  was  blown  up,  and  such  of  the  captured  ammunition  as 
was  useless  to  us,  as  well  as  the  cannon-moulds  found  in  El  Molino 
del  Rey,  were  destroyed.  After  which,  my  command,  under  the 
reiterated  orders  of  the  general-in-chief,  returned  to  quarters  at 
Tacubaya,  with  three  of  the  enemy's  four  guns,  (the  fourth,  having 
been  spiked,  was  rendered  unserviceable  ;)  as  also  a  large  quantity 
of  small-arms,  with  gun  and  musket  ammunition,  and  exceeding 
eight  hundred  prisoners,  including  fifty-two  commissioned  officers. 

"  By  the  concurrent  testimony  of  prisoners,  the  enemy's  force 
exceeded  fourteen  thousand  men,  commanded  by  General  Santa 
Anna  in  person.  His  total  loss,  killed,  (including  the  second  and 
third  in  command,  Generals  Valdarez  and  Leon,)  wounded,  and 
prisoners,  amounts  to  three  thousand,  exclusive  of  some  two  thou 
sand  who  deserted  after  the  rout. 

"My  command,  reinforced  as  before  stated,  only  reached  three 
thousand  one  hundred  men  of  all  arms.  The  contest  continued  two 
hours,  and  its  severity  is  painfully  attested  by  our  heavy  loss  of 
officers,  non-commissioned  officers,  and  privates,  including  in  the 
first  two  classes  some  of  the  brightest  ornaments  of  the  service. 

•*  It  will  be  seen  that  subordinate  commanders  speak  in  the  warmest 
terms  of  the  conduct  of  their  officers  and  men,  to  which  I  beg  leave 
to  add  my  cordial  testimony.  There  can  be  no  higher  exhibition  of 
courage,  constancy,  and  devotion  to  duty  and  to  country. 

"  These  operations,  occurring  under  the  observation  of  the  general- 
in-chief,  give  assurance  that  justice  will  be  done  to  the  noble  officers 


118  MAJOR-GENERAL   WILLIAM   J.   WORTH. 

and  soldiers  whose  valour  achieved  this  glorious  but  dear-bought 
victory.  Commending  the  gallant  dead,  the  wounded,  and  the  few 
unscathed,  to  the  respectful  memory  of  their  countrymen,  and  the 
rewards  due  to  valour  and  conduct,  I  present  the  names  of  those 
especially  noticed  by  subordinate  commanders,  uniting  in  all  they 
have  said,  and  extending  the  same  testimony  to  those  not  named." 

Here  follows  a  catalogue  of  the  officers  who  particularly  distin 
guished  themselves. 

The  following  more  circumstantial  sketch  is  given  by  a  partici 
pator  in  the  action  :  — 

"I  have  just  returned  from  another  battle-field  —  one  on  which 
the  victory  of  the  American  arms  was  complete,  and  on  which  our 
troops  contended  against  an  enemy  immensely  superior  in  number 
and  strongly  posted.  General  Worth  commenced  the  attack  at 
early  daylight,  and  in  less  than  two  hours  every  point  was  carried, 
all  the  cannon  of  the  enemy  were  in  our  possession,  an  immense 
quantity  of  ammunition  captured,  and  nearly  one  thousand  men, 
among  them  fifty-three  officers,  taken  prisoners. 

"  For  more  than  an  hour  the  battle  raged  with  a  violence  not  sur 
passed  since  the  Mexican  war  commenced,  and  so  great  was  the  odds 
opposed,  that  for  some  time  the  result  was  doubtful.  The  force  of 
the  enemy  has  been  estimated  at  from  twelve  to  fifteen  thousand, 
strongly  posted  behind  breastworks,  and  to  attack  them  our  small 
force  of  scarcely  eight  thousand  was  obliged  to  approach  on  an  open 
plain  and  without  the  least  cover;  but  their  dauntless  courage  car 
ried  them  over  every  obstacle,  and  notwithstanding  the  Mexicans 
fought  with  a  valour  rare  for  them,  they  were  finally  routed  from 
one  point  or  another  until  all  were  driven  and  dispersed.  The  de 
feat  was  total. 

"But  to  gain  this  victory  our  own  loss  has  been  uncommonly 
severe ;  it  has  been  purchased  with  the  blood  of  some  of  the  most 
gallant  spirits  of  the  army.  The  5th  infantry  has  suffered  the  most. 
This  regiment,  along  with  the  6th  and  8th,  was  engaged  in  the 
attack  upon  a  strong  work  on  the  enemy's  right,  and  was  opposed  to 
such  superior  numbers,  that  it  was  compelled  to  retire  along  with  the 
others.  The  celebrated  Colonel  Martin  Scott  was  killed  in  this  attack, 
along  with  Lieutenants  Burvvell  and  Strong,  while  Colonel  Mcln- 
tosh  and  many  other  officers  were  badly  wounded.  —  The  worse 
than  savage  miscreants  in  the  fort,  after  our  men  retired,  set  up  a 


BATTLE    OF    MOLING    DEL    KEY.  119 

yell,  and  came  out  and  massacred  such  of  our  wounded  as  were 
unable  to  get  off.  In  this  way  poor  Burwell  lost  his  life.  Fully 
were  they  avenged,  however ;  for  within  half  an  hour  Duncan's 
battery,  aided  by  the  fall  of  another  of  their  works,  drove  the  das 
tardly  wretches  in  full  flight  across  the  fields.  No  one  knew  or  even 
surmised  the  strength  of  the  place  —  it  was  an  old  fort,  constructed 
long  since,  and  was  one  of  the  main  defences  of  the  line  of  works.] 

"  On  the  enemy's  left,  and  nearer  Chapultepec,  our  loss  was  also 
great,  although  not  as  severe.  It  was  here  that  Colonel  William 
M.  Graham,  as  brave  a  spirit  as  ever  lived,  was  killed ;  Captains 
Merrill  and  Ayres  also  fell  in  this  part  of  the  field.  The  wonder 
now  is  how  any  one  could  come  out  so  safe  under  such  a  terrible 
fire  as  the  enemy  poured  from  his  entire  line  of  works.  Nothing 
but  the  daring  and  impetuosity  of  our  men,  who  rushed  onward 
while  their  comrades  were  falling  thick  around  them,  gained  the 
victory — had  they  once  faltered  all  would  have  been  lost. 

"  The  broken  ground  on  the  right  of  the  enemy,  cut  up  by  deep 
ravines,  saved  many  of  Santa  Anna's  troops  in  their  flight ;  yet  as 
it  was,  our  dragoons  killed  and  captured  many  of  the  fugitives. 
Large  bodies  of  Mexican  cavalry  approached  the  scene  of  strife 
several  times,  but  they  were  driven  like  sheep  by  Duncan's  battery. 

'•  The  Mexican  loss  has  been  even  more  severe  than  our  own. 
General  Balderas,  General  Leon,  and  many  other  officers  are  num 
bered  among  the  dead,  while  the  interior  of  their  works,  the  tops  of 
the  houses  from  which  they  fought,  and  the  ground  over  which  they 
fled,  are  strewed  with  lifeless  bodies.  Such  was  the  panic  that 
many  of  our  officers  say  that  a  few  fresh  troops  might  have  taken 
Chapultepec  itself  almost  without  a  struggle  ;  but  other  than  a  few 
shots  fired  at  that  point  from  some  of  the  captured  cannon,  no  de 
monstration  was  made. 

"  After  the  battle  was  over,  General  Scott  came  out  accompanied 
by  his  staff,  and  also  by  Mr.  Trist.  The  Mexicans  at  the  time  were 
throwing  shells  at  some  of  the  wagons  that  General  Worth  had 
sent  out  to  pick  up  the  dead  and  wounded.  They  had  placed  a 
howitzer  in  position  on  Chapultepec  at  the  close  of  the  action,  and 
now  seeing  the  enemy  within  reach,  the  cowardly  wretches  opened 
upon  the  ambulances,  and  those  who  were  gathering  the  bodies  of 
their  wounded  and  lifeless  comrades.  On  seeing  this  worse  than 
savage  outrage,  one  of  our  officers,  with  a  sarcastic  expression  of 


120  MAJOR-GENERAL   WILLIAM   J.    WORTH. 

countenance,  asked  whether  Mr.  Trist  had  any  new  peace  proposi 
tions  in  his  pocket.  Mackintosh  did  not  come  out  after  the  battle 
to  gain  more  time  for  his  friend  Santa  Anna,  nor  warm  our  fresh 
intelligence  of  the  strength  and  movements  of  our  army,  in  order 
that  he  might  be  of  service  to  the  Mexicans  by  communicating  it. 

"  The  Mexican  prisoners  say  that  Santa  Anna  himself  was  on  the 
ground  in  the  rear  of  their  works,  but  left  at  the  commencement  of 
the  rout.  They  admit  that  their  entire  force  was  fifteen  thousand  ; 
it  is  certain  that  including  killed,  wounded,  prisoners  and  dispersed, 
their  loss  has  been  near  five  thousand.  Many  of  them  were  regu 
lars,  the  llth  and  12th  infantry  regiments  suffering  most.  The 
commander  of  the  latter,  Colonel  Tenorio,  is  a  prisoner  in  our  hands ; 
some  fourteen  officers  belonging  to  the  former  are  also  prisoners, 
but  the  commander,  General  Perez,  escaped. 

"The  foundry,  in  which  several  moulds  for  casting  cannon  and 
other  apparatus  were  found,  was  entirely  demolished ;  and,  after 
ascertaining  this,  Tjreneral  Scott,  not  wishing  to  hold  the  position, 
ordered  all  the  forces  to  retire." 

The  13th  was  signalized  by  the  storming  of  Chapultepec,  of 
which  Worth  gives  the  following  account,  confined  principally  to 
his  own  operations :  — 

"  On  the  evening  of  the  12th  instant,  having  the  verbal  orders 
of  the  general-in-chief  to  designate  a  storming  party,  to  aid  in  the 
assault  upon  the  castle  of  Chapultepec,  a  command  from  my  divi 
sion,  with  scaling  ladders,  was  organized,  consisting  of  ten  officers — 
Captain  McKenzie,  2d  artillery,  commanding;  and  two  hundred 
and  sixty  men,  volunteers,  drawn  in  due  proportion  from  the  several 
corps.  At  five  A.  M.,  on  the  13th,  these  detachments  assembled 
at  the  appointed  place,  and  proceeded  to  their  duty.  For  the  man 
ner  in  which  this  was  executed,  I  refer  to  the  report,  herewith,  of 
the  gallant  commander. 

"  At  the  same  time,  I  had  the  orders  of  the  General-in-chief  to 
take  position  with  the  remainder  of  my  division  and  support  the 
operations  of  General  Pillow.  This  position  was  taken  at  the  time 
and  place  appointed,  and  that  general  informed  of  my  preparations 
and  of  my  readiness  to  support  him.  Lieutenant  Semmes  (navy), 
one  of  my  aids-de-camp,  whom  I  despatched  with  this  intelligence, 
found  General  Pillow,  soon  after  the  assault  had  commenced, 
wounded,  at  the  foot  of  the  hill.  General  Pillow  desired  him  to 


CHAPULTEPEC    CARRIED.  121 

return  to  me,  with  a  request  '  to  bring  up  my  whole  division,  and 
make  great  haste,  or,  he  feared,  I  would  be  too  late.'  The  2d 
(Clark's)  brigade  was  ordered  instantly  to  advance.  It  did  so, 
passed  on,  mingled  with  the  advancing  forces,  and  entered,  with 
them,  pellmell  into  the  assaulted  work.  At  the  same  instant,  the 
1st  (Garland's)  brigade,  the  light  battalion,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel 
C.  F.  Smith,  and  Duncan's  battery,  were  put  in  motion,  around  the 
north-eastern  base  of  the  hill  of  Chapultepec,  and  moved,  in  opera 
tion,  upon  the  San  Cosme  route  and  aqueduct.  After  advancing 
some  four  hundred  yards,  we  came  to  a  battery  which  had  been 
assailed  by  a  portion  of  Magruder's  field  guns  —  particularly  the 
section  under  the  gallant  Lieutenant  Jackson,  who,  although  he  had 
lost  most  of  his  horses,  and  many  of  his  men,  continued  chivalrously 
at  his  post,  combatting  with  noble  courage.  A  portion  of  Garland's 
brigade,  which  had  been  previously  deployed  in  the  field  to  the  left, 
now  came  up  with,  and  defeated  the  enemy's  right ;  the  enemy's 
left  extending  in  the  direction  of  the  Tacubaya  aqueduct,  on  which 
Quitman's  division  was  battling  and  advancing.  Pursuing  the 
San  Cosme  road,  we  discovered  an  arched  passage  through  the 
aqueduct,  and  a  cross  route  practicable  for  artillery,  for  a  considerable 
distance  over  the  meadows,  in  the  direction  of  the  battery,  and  left 
of  the  enemy's  line,  which  was  galling  and  endeavouring  to  check 
Quitman's  advance.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Duncan,  with  a  section 
of  his  battery,  covered  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Smith's  battalion,  was 
turned  off  upon  this  route,  and  advancing  to  within  four  hundred 
yards  of  the  enemy's  lines,  (which  was  as  far  as  the  nature  of  the 
ground  would  permit,)  opened  an  effective  fire — first  upon  the  bat 
tery,  and  then  upon  the  retreating  troops,  great  numbers  of  whom 
were  cut  down.  Having  thus  aided  the  advance,  and  cleared  the 
front  (being  favourably  situated)  of  my  gallant  friend  Quitman,  as 
far  as  it  was  in  my  power,  this  portion  of  the  command  was  with 
drawn.  The  3d  brigade  now  coming  up,  the  advance  upon  the 
main  road  was  continued.  We  soon  came  up  with  and  carried  a 
second  battery,  and  afterwards  a  third,  both  of  them  strong  works 
and  enfilading  the  road.  This  brought  us  to  the  Campo  Santo,  or 
English  burying-ground,  near  which  the  road  and  aqueduct  bend  to 
the  right.  At  this  point  the  general-in-chief  came  up,  with  his  staff, 
and  instructed  me  to  press  on,  carrying  the  garita  San  Cosme,  and, 
if  possible,  penetrate  to  the  Alameda.  Shortly  after,  Brigadier  Gen- 
11  F 


122  MAJOR-GENERAL   WILLIAM  J,   WORTH. 

eral  Cadvvalader  reported  to  me,  by  the  order  of  the  general-in- 
chief;  and,  later,  between  8  and  9  P.  M.,  Colonel  Riley,  with  the 
2d  brigade,  2d  division.  The  former  was  left  in  position  at  the 
Campo  Santo,  to  hold  that  point,  and  look  to  the  left  and  rear.  The 
latter,  coming  up  after  the  firing  had  ceased,  was  halted  in  rear  of 
the  1st  division,  and  entered  the  city  with  it  on  the  morning  of 
the  14th. 

"  Here  we  came  in  front  of  another  battery,  beyond  which,  distant 
some  two  hundred  and  fifty  yards,  and  sustaining  it,  was  the  last 
defence,  or  the  garita  of  San  Cosme.  The  approach  to  these  two 
defences  was  in  a  right  line,  and  the  whole  space  was  literally  swept 
by  grape,  canister,  and  shells,  from  a  heavy  gun  and  howitzer ; 
added  to  which,  severe  fires  of  musketry  were  delivered  from  the 
tops  of  the  adjacent  houses  and  churches.  It  hence  became  neces 
sary  to  vary  our  mode  of  operations.  Garland's  brigade  was  thrown 
to  the  right,  within  and  masked  by  the  aqueduct,  and  instructed  to 
dislodge  the  enemy  from  the  buildings  in  his  front,  and  endeavour 
to  reach  and  turn  the  left  of  the  garita,  taking  advantage  of  such 
cover  as  might  offer,  to  enable  him  to  effect  his  objects.  Clark's 
brigade  was,  at  the  same  time,  ordered  to  take  the  buildings  on  the 
left  of  the  road,  and,  by  the  use  of  bars  and  picks,  burrow  through 
from  house  to  house,  and,  in  like  manner,  carry  the  right  of  the 
garita. 

"  While  these  orders  were  being  executed,  a  mountain  howitzer 
was  placed  on  the  top  of  a  commanding  building  on  the  left,  and 
another  on  the  church  of  San  Cosme,  on  the  right,  both  of  which 
opened  with  admirable  effect.  The  work  of  the  troops  was  tedious, 
and  necessarily  slow,  but  was  greatly  favoured  by  the  fire  of  the 
howitzers.  Finally,  at  5  o'clock  both  columns  had  reached  their 
positions,  and  it  then  became  necessary,  at  all  hazards,  to  advance  a 
piece  of  artillery  to  the  evacuated  battery  of  the  enemy  intermediate 
between  us  and  the  garita.  Lieutenant  Hunt  was  ordered  to  exe 
cute  this  duty,  which  he  did  in  the  highest  possible  style  of  gallan 
try  ;  equally  sustained  by  his  veteran  troops,  with  the  loss  of  one 
killed  and  four  wounded,  out  of  nine  men,  although  the  piece  moved 
at  full  speed  over  a  distance  of  only  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  ; 
reaching  the  breastwork,  he  came  muzzle  to  muzzle  with  the 
enemy.  It  has  never  been  my  fortune  to  witness  a  more  brilliant 
exhibition  of  courage  and  conduct.  The  moment  had  now  arrived 


AMERICANS   ENTER  THE   CAPITAL.  123 

for  the  final  and  combined  attack  upon  the  last  stronghold  of  the 
enemy  in  my  quarter :  it  was  made,  by  our  men  springing,  as  if  by 
magic,  to  the  tops  of  the  houses  into  which  they  had  patiently  and 
quietly  made  their  way  by  the  bar  and  pick,  and  to  the  utter  sur 
prise  and  consternation  of  the  enemy,  opening  upon  him,  within 
easy  range,  a  destructive  fire  of  musketry.  A  single  discharge,  in 
which  many  of  his  gunners  were  killed  at  their  pieces,  was  suffi 
cient  to  drive  him  in  confusion  from  the  breastwork ;  when  a  pro 
longed  shout  from  our  brave  fellows  announced  that  we  were  in 
possession  of  the  garita  of  San  Cosine,  and  already  in  the  city  of 
Mexico. 

"  At  this  point  we  again  had  the  pleasure  to  meet  the  President- 
general-in-chief,  took  one  of  his  aids-de-camp,  Captain  Jose  M. 
Castanary,  arid  several  superior  officers,  with  many  other  equally 
unimportant  prisoners  ;  and  one  of  my  most  gallant  and  leading  sub 
alterns  had  the  gratification  of  eating  his  excellency's  well-prepared 
supper. 

"  The  remainder  of  the  division  was  now  marched  within  the 
city  gate,  and  Captain  Huger,  of  the  ordnance,  who  had  been  di 
rected  by  the  general-in-chief  to  report  to  me,  with  heavy  guns, 
some  time  before,  was  desired  to  advance  a  twenty-four-pounder  and 
a  ten-inch  mortar,  place  them  in  position  at  the  garita,  obtain  the 
distance,  and  open  a  few  shot  and  shell  upon  the  grand  plaza  and 
palace,  assumed  to  be  about  sixteen  hundred  yards  distant.  This 
battery  opened  at  nine  o'clock — three  shot  being  fired  from  the  gun 
and  five  from  the  mortar.  They  told  with  admirable  effect,  as  at 
one  o'clock  at  night  a  commission  from  the  municipality  came  to 
my  advanced  post  with  a  flag,  announcing  that  immediately  after 
the  heavy  guns  opened  the  government  and  army  commenced 
evacuating  the  city,  and  that  the  commission  was  deputed  to  confer 
with  the  general-in-chief,  to  whose  head-quarters  it  was  passed 
under  Assistant  Adjutant-General  Mackall. 

"  At  five,  A.  M.,  on  the  14th,  my  troops  and  heavy  guns  advanced 
into  the  city,  and  occupied  the  Alameda,  to  the  point  where  it  fronts 
the  palace,  and  there  halted  at  six  o'clock,  the  general-in-chief 
having  instructed  me  to  take  a  position  and  await  his  further  orders. 
Shortly  after,  a  straggling  assassin-like  fire  commenced  from  the 
house-tops,  which  continued,  in  various  parts  of  the  city,  tnrough 
the  day,  causing  us  some  loss.  The  first  shot  fired  at  a  group  of 


124  MAJOR-GENERAL   WILLIAM  J.   WORTH. 

officers  at  the  head  of  my  column,  struck  down  Colonel  Garland, 
hadly  wounded ;  and  later  in  the  day,  Lieutenant  Sydney  Smith 
was  shot  down  mortally  wounded — since  dead. 

"The  free  use  of  heavy  battering  guns  upon  every  building  from 
which  fife  proceeded,  together  with  musketry  from  some*  of  our 
men  thrown  out  as  skirmishers,  soon  quelled  these  hidden  and  das 
tardly  enemies.  About  the  time  of  our  entrance  into  the  city,  the 
convicts  in  the  different  prisons,  to  the  number  of  some  thirty 
thousand  men,  were  liberated  by  order  of  the  flying  government, 
armed  and  distributed  in  the  most  advantageous  houses,  including 
the  churches,  convents,  and  even  the  hospitals,  for  the  purpose  of 
exciting,  if  possible,  the  entire  population  of  the  city  to  revolt,  and 
effect,  by  secret  and  dastardly  means,  what  the  whole  Mexican  army 
had  been  unable  to  accomplish.  This  was  no  time  for  half-way 
measures ;  and  if  many  innocent  persons  suffered  incidentally  under 
the  just  infliction  of  punishment  we  found  it  necessary  to  bestow 
on  these  miscreants  from  the  jails,  the  responsibility  should  rest 
upon  the  barbarous  and  vindictive  chief  who  imposed  upon  us  the 
necessity. 

"  Officers  and  men  of  every  corps  carried  themselves  with  wonted 
gallantry  and  conduct.  Be  pleased  to  refer  to  reports  of  subordi 
nate  commanders.  Major  Sumner  reported  to  me  with  his  cavalry 
on  the  morning  of  the  13th,  was  actively  on  service  and  under  fire, 
and  was  advanced  upon  the  San  Cosme  road,  to  be  at  hand  to  pur 
sue  the  enemy.  Towards  evening,  the  gene ral-in-chief  ordered  his 
command  to  re-occupy  Tacubaya.  The  commander  and  his  excel 
lent  corps  rendered  every  service  which  the  incidents  of  the  day 
offered  to  their  ready  acceptance. 
************ 

"  I  am  most  happy  to  have  occasion  to  submit  but  a  moderate  list 
of  casualties,  compared  with  recent  reports ;  two  officers  killed,  ten 
wounded,  and  one  hundred  and  twenty-nine  rank  and  file  killed, 
wounded  and  missing,  of  which  full  returns  are  forwarded  here 
with  ;  as  also  a  sketch  of  the  ground,  &c.,  covered  by  the  opera 
tions  of  my  command. 

"All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted  to  the  general-in-chief, 
himself  a  close  observer  of  the  incidents  of  the  day." 

Such  has  been  the  course  of  General  Worth  up  to  this  time.  He 
now  ranks  among  the  ablest  and  most  successful  of  American  offi 
cers. 


GENERAL  WOOL. 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL  was  born  in  Orange  county, 
New  York.  His  family  were  Whigs  of  the  Revolution.  Losing 
his  father  at  an  early  age,  he  was  taken  by  his  grandfather,  a  farmer 
in  Rensselaer  county,  to  be  brought  up ;  and,  consulting  the  bent  of 
his  disposition,  he  placed  him  when  a  boy  as  a  clerk  in  a  store  in 
the  city  of  Troy.  By  attention,  industry,  and  perseverance,  he  be 
came  in  a  few  years  a  merchant,  and  in  due  time  he  would  have 
reached,  in  that  capacity,  the  wealth  and  distinction  that  always 
follow  energy,  perseverance,  and  high  honour ;  but  a  total  loss  of  his 
property  by  fire  induced  him  to  turn  his  attention  to  some  other 
pursuit — one  more  congenial  to  his  own  mind.  The  war  with  Eng 
land  breaking  out  about  this  time,  Wool  was  offered,  and  accepted 
a  commission  as  captain  in  the  13th  regiment  of  United  States'  in 
fantry,  and  at  once  entered  that  career,  in  which  he  has  lately  be 
come  so  distinguished. 

Wool  was  early  thrown  upon  his  own  resources,  for  the  family 
from  whence  he  sprung  were  poor  but  true  and  honest  patriots  of 
the  Revolution ;  he  was,  in  consequence,  the  founder  of  his  own 
fortunes,  and  has  literally  fought  his  way  to  military  distinction. 

His  commission  as  captain  bears  date,  April,  1812.  Immediately 
after  its  receipt,  he  commenced  raising  a  company  in  Troy,  and 
having  done  so,  he  made  his  military  debut  at  the  battle  of  Glueens- 
*own  Heights.  Previous  to  this  memorable  action,  our  army  had 
suffered  so  many  reverses  and  defeats,  as  to  cast  upon  our  officers 
and  troops  the  stigma  of  cowardice  and  misconduct ;  it  was  there 
fore  necessary  that  some  brilliant  effort  should  be  made,  in  order  to 
redeem  their  character,  and  to  raise  throughout  the  United  States  a 
proper  spirit  for  carrying  on  the  war. 

The  first  and  most  brilliant  effort  was  made  at  dueenstown  Heights, 
11*  (125) 


126  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JOHN    E.    WOOL. 

a  formidable  post,  fortified  and  held  by  a  part  of  the  British  army. 
This  place  Major-General  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,  who  commanded 
the  militia  of  the  state  of  New  York  on  the  Niagara  frontier,  and 
who  had  established  his  quarters  at  Lewistown,  determined  to  storm ; 
and  accordingly,  a  detachment  of  six  hundred  men,  under  the  com 
mand  of  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer,  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Chrystie, 
were  despatched  on  this  hazardous  service.  In  this  detachment 
were  three  companies  of  the  13th,  commanded  by  Captains  Wool, 
Malcolm,  and  Armstrong.  On  Captain  Wool  the  command  of 
these  devolved,  and  never  did  either  officers  or  soldiers  conduct 
themselves  so  gallantly  under  such  trying  circumstances.  A  po 
sition  of  extraordinary  strength  was  about  to  be  attacked  by  a  band 
of  less  than  three  hundred  men.  The  moment  they  reached 
the  Canadian  side  of  the  river  they  encountered  a  tremendous 
fire  from  the  enemy,  so  deadly  in  effect,  that  nearly  every  officer, 
and  most  of  the  soldiers  in  Captain  Wool's  command  were  either 
killed  or  wounded.  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  was  badly  wounded, 
and  was  fast  sinking  from  loss  of  blood,  when  Captain  Wool,  al 
though  himself  wounded  in  both  thighs,  sought  him  and  requested 
permission  to  continue  the  assault.  The  Colonel,  at  first  unwilling 
to  entrust  the  fate  of  the  affair  to  so  young  an  officer,  and  who  was 
for  the  first  time  on  the  field,  reluctantly  consented.  The  assault 
was  renewed  with  vigour  by  Wool  and  his  gallant  little  band  ;  they 
climbed  the  heights  and  drove  the  British  from  their  batteries.  The 
British,  receiving  a  reinforcement  under  General  Brock,  the  battle 
was  renewed.  Captain  Wool,  rallying  his  forces  by  a  desperate 
effort,  once  more  charged  the  British,  reinforced  though  they  were, 
and  drove  them  a  second  time  from  the  heights.  General  Brock 
was  slain :  seeing  this,  the  British,  panic-stricken,  abandoned  their 
position  and  fled,  leaving  the  Americans  the  victors  of  the  field. 

For  his  gallant  conduct  at  Queenstown,  Wool  was  promoted  to 
the  rank  of  Major  in  the  29th  regiment,  and  we  find  him  volunteer 
ing  his  services  wherever  and  whenever  duty  and  danger  led. 

After  this  engagement,  Major  Wool  continued  actively  engaged 
with  the  army  until  the  great  battle  of  Plattsburg,  [September,  1814,] 
in  which  he  again  distinguished  himself.  The  following  report  of 
the  American  general,  Macomb,  is  a  vivid  description  of  the  dangers 
of  that  glorious  event : — 

"  T  have  the  honour  to  communicate,  for  the  information  of  th* 


BATTLE   OF   PLATTSBURG.  127 

war  department,  the  particulars  of  the  advance  of  the  enemy  into 
the  territory  of  the  United  States,  the  circumstances  attending  the 
siege  of  Plattsburg,  and  the  defence  of  the  posts  intrusted  to  my 
charge. 

"The  governor-general  of  the  Canadas,  Sir  George  Prevost, 
having  collected  all  the  disposable  force  in  Lower  Canada,  with  a 
view  of  conquering  the  country  as  far  as  Crown  Point  and  Ticon- 
deroga,  entered  the  territories  of  the  United  States  on  the  1st  of  the 
month,  and  occupied  the  village  of  Champlain ;  there  avowed  his 
intentions,  and  issued  orders  and  proclamations  tending  to  dissuade 
the  people  from  their  allegiance,  and  inviting  them  to  furnish  his 
army  with  provisions.  He  immediately  began  to  impress  the 
wagons  and  teams  in  the  vicinity,  and  loaded  them  with  his  heavy 
baggage  and  stores.  From  this  I  was  persuaded  he  intended  to 
attack  this  place.  I  had  but  just  returned  from  the  lines,  where  I 
had  commanded  a  fine  brigade,  which  was  broken  up  to  form  the 
division  under  Major-General  Izard,  ordered  to  the  westward.  Being 
senior  officer,  he  left  me  in  command ;  and  except  the  four  com 
panies  of  the  6th  regiment,  I  had  not  an  organized  battalion  among 
those  remaining.  The  garrison  was  composed  of  convalescents  and 
recruits  of  the  new  regiments — all  in  the  greatest  confusion,  as  well 
as  the  ordnance  and  stores,  and  the  works  in  no  state  of  defence. 

"  To  create  an  emulation  and  zeal  among  the  officers  and  men  in 
completing  the  works,  I  divided  them  into  detachments,  and  placed 
them  near  the  several  forts ;  declaring  in  orders,  that  each  detach 
ment  was  the  garrison  of  its  own  work,  and  bound  to  defend  it  to 
the  last  extremity. 

"  The  enemy  advanced  cautiously  and  by  short  marches,  and  our 
soldiers  worked  day  and  night ;  so  that  by  the  time  he  made' his  ap 
pearance  before  the  place,  we  were  prepared  to  receive  him. 

"  General  Izard  named  the  principal  work  Fort  Moreau,  and,  to 
remind  the  troops  of  the  actions  of  their  brave  countrymen,  I  called 
the  redoubt  on  the  right  Fort  Brown,  and  that  on  the  left  Fort  Scott. 
Besides  these  three  works  we  have  two  block-houses  strongly 
fortified. 

"  Finding,  on  examining  the  returns  of  the  garrison,  that  our  force 
did  not  exceed  fifteen  hundred  effective  men  for  duty,  and  well  in 
formed  that  the  enemy  had  as  many  thousands,  I  called  on  General 

Mooers,  of  the  New  York  militia,  and  arranged  with  him  plans  for 

F* 


128  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JOHN    E.    WOOL. 

bringing  forth  the  militia,  en  masse.  The  inhabitants  of  the  village 
fled  with  their  families  and  effects,  except  a  few  worthy  citizens  and 
some  boys,  who  formed  themselves  into  a  party,  received  rifles,  and 
were  exceedingly  useful.  By  the  fourth  of  the  month  General 
Mooers  collected  about  seven  hundred  militia,  and  advanced  seven 
miles  on  the  Beckmantown  road,  to  watch  the  motions  of  the  enemy, 
and  to  skirmish  with  him  as  he  advanced :  also  to  obstruct  the  roads 
with  fallen  trees,  and  to  break  up  the  bridges. 

"  On  the  lake  road  to  Dead  creek  bridge,  I  posted  two  hundred 
men,  under  Captain  Sproul  of  the  13th  regiment,  with  orders  to 
abattis  the  woods,  to  place  obstructions  in  the  road,  and  to  fortify 
himself;  to  this  party  I  added  two  field-pieces.  In  advance  of  this 
position  was  Lieutenant-Colonel  Appling  with  one  hundred  and  ten 
riflemen,  watching  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  and  procuring  in 
telligence.  It  was  ascertained,  that  before  daylight  on  the  6th,  the 
enemy  would  advance  in  two  columns  on  the  two  roads  before-men 
tioned,  dividing  at  Sampson's,  a  little  below  Chazy  village.  The 
column  on  the  Beckmantown  road  proceeded  most  rapidly ;  the 
militia  skirmished  with  his  advanced  parties,  and,  except  a  few 
brave  men,  fell  back  most  precipitately  in  the  greatest  disorder,  not 
withstanding  the  British  troops  did  not  deign  to  fire  on  them,  except 
by  their  flankers  and  advanced  patroles.  The  night  previous  I  or 
dered  Major  Wool  to  advance  with  a  detachment  of  two  hundred 
and  fifty  men  to  support  the  militia,  and  set  them  an  example  of 
firmness.  Also  Captain  Leonard,  of  the  light  artillery,  was  directed 
to  proceed  with  two  pieces  to  be  on  the  ground  before  day,  yet  he 
did  not  make  his  appearance  until  eight  o'clock,  when  the  enemy 
had  approached  within  two  miles  of  the  village.  With  his  conduct, 
theiefore,  I  am  not  well  pleased.  Major  Wool,  with  his  party,  dis 
puted  the  road  with  great  obstinacy,  but  the  militia  could  not  be  pre 
vailed  upon  to  stand,  notwithstanding  the  exertions  of  their  general 
and  staff  officers ;  although  the  fields  were  divided  by  strong  stone 
walls,  and  they  were  told  that  the  enemy  could  not  possibly  cut  them 
off.  The  state  dragoons  of  New  York  wear  red  coats,  and  they 
being  on  the  heights  to  watch  the  enemy,  gave  constant  alarm  to 
the  militia,  who  mistook  them  for  the  enemy,  and  feared  his  getting 
in  their  rear.  Finding  the  enemy's  columns  had  penetrated  within 
a  mile  of  Plattsburg,  I  despatched  my  aid-de-camp,  Lieutenant 
Root,  to  bring  off  the  detachment  at  Dead  creek,  and  to  inform 


BATTLE   OF    PLATTSBURG.  129 

Lieutenant  Appling  that  I  wished  him  to  fall  on  the  enemy's  right 
flank.  The  colonel  fortunately  arrived  just  in  time  to  save  his  re 
treat,  and  to  fall  in  with  the  head  of  a  column  debouching  from  the 
woods.  Here  he  poured  in  a  destructive  fire  from  his  riflemen  at 
rest,  and  continued  to  annoy  the  column  until  he  formed  a  junction 
with  Major  Wool.  The  field-pieces  did  considerable  execution 
among  the  enemy's  columns.  So  undaunted,  however,  was  the 
enemy,  that  he  never  deployed  in  his  whole  march,  always  pressing 
on  in  column.  Finding  that  every  road  was  full  of  troops  crowding 
on  us  on  all  sides,  I  ordered  the  field-pieces  to  retire  across  the  bridge 
and  form  a  battery  for  its  protection,  and  to  cover  the  retreat  of  the 
infantry,  which  was  accordingly  done,  and  the  parties  of  Appling 
and  Wool,  as  well  as  that  of  Sproul,  retired  alternately,  keeping  up 
a  brisk  fire  until  they  got  under  cover  of  the  works.  The  enemy's 
light  troops  occupied  the  houses  near  the  bridge,  and  kept  up  a 
constant  firing  from  the  windows  and  balconies,  and  annoyed  us 
much.  I  ordered  them  to  be  driven  out  with  hot  shot,  which  soon 
put  the  houses  in  flames,  and  obliged  these  sharp-shooters  to  retire. 
The  whole  day,  until  it  was  too  late  to  see,  the  enemy's  light  troops 
endeavoured  to  drive  our  guards  from  the  bridge,  but  they  suffered 
dearly  for  their  perseverance.  An  attempt  was  also  made  to  cross 
the  upper  bridge,  where  the  militia  handsomely  drove  them  back. 

"  The  column  which  marched  by  the  lake  road  was  much  im 
peded  by  the  obstructions,  and  the  removal  of  the  bridge  at  Dead 
creek,  and,  as  it  passed  the  creek  and  beach,  the  galleys  kept  up  a 
lively  and  galling  fire. 

"  Our  troops  being  now  on  the  south  side  of  the  Saranac,  I  di 
rected  the  planks  to  be  taken  off  the  bridges  and  piled  up  in  the 
form  of  breastworks  to  cover  our  parties  intended  for  disputing  tho 
passage,  which  afterwards  enabled  us  to  hold  the  bridges  against 
very  superior  numbers. 

"From  the  7th  to  the  llth  the  enemy  was  employed  in  getting 
on  his  battering  train,  and  erecting  his  batteries  and  approaches,  and 
constantly  skirmishing  at  the  bridges  and  fords.  By  this  time  the 
miliiia  of  New  York,  and  the  volunteers  of  Vermont,  were  pouring 
in  from  all  quarters.  I  advised  General  Mooers  to  keep  his  force 
along  the  Saranac  to  prevent  the  enemy's  crossing  the  river,  and 
to  send  a  strong  body  in  his  rear  to  harass  him  day  and  night,  and 
keep  him  in  continued  alarm. 


130  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JOHN    E.  WOOL. 

"The  militia  behaved  with  great  spirit  after  the  first  day,  and  the 
volunteers  of  Vermont  were  exceedingly  serviceable.  Our  regular 
troops,  notwithstanding  the  skirmishing  and  repeated  endeavours 
of  the  enemy  to  cross  the  river,  kept  at  their  work  day  and  night, 
strengthening  the  defences,  and  evinced  a  determination  to  hold  out 
to  the  last  extremity. 

"  It  was  reported  that  the  enemy  only  waited  the  arrival  of  his 
flotilla  to  make  a  general  attack.  About  eight  in  the  evening  of  the 
llth,  as  was  expected,  the  flotilla  appeared  in  sight  round  Cumber 
land  Head,  and  at  nine  bore  down  and  engaged  our  flotilla  at  anchor 
in  the  bay  off  the  town.  At  the  same  instant  the  batteries  were 
opened  on  us,  and  continued  throwing  bomb-shells,  shrapnels,  balls, 
and  congreve  rockets  until  sunset,  when  the  bombardment  ceased, 
every  battery  of  the  enemy  being  silenced  by  the  superiority  of  our 
fire.  The  naval  engagement  lasted  but  two  hours,  in  full  view  of 
both  armies.  Three  efforts  were  made  by  the  enemy  to  pass  the 
river  at  the  commencement  of  the  cannonade  and  bombardment, 
with  a  view  of  assaulting  the  works,  and  he  had  prepared  for  that 
purpose  an  immense  number  of  scaling-ladders.  One  attempt  to 
cross  was  made  at  the  village  bridge,  and  another  at  the  upper 
bridge,  and  a  third  at  a  ford  about  three  miles  from  the  works.  At 
the  two  first  he  was  repulsed  by  the  regulars,  at  the  ford  by  the 
brave  volunteers  and  militia,  where  he  suffered  severely  in  killed 
and  wounded,  and  prisoners ;  a  considerable  body  having  crossed 
the  stream,  but  were  either  killed,  taken,  or  driven  back.  The 
woods  at  this  place  were  very  favourable  to  the  operations  of  the 
militia  A  whole  company  of  the  76th  regiment  was  here  de 
stroyed,  the  three  lieutenants  and  twenty-seven  men  taken  prisoners, 
the  captain  and  the  rest  killed. 

"I  cannot  forego  the  pleasure  of  here  stating  the  gallant  conduct 
of  Captain  McGlassin,  of  the  15th  regiment,  who  was  ordered  to 
ford  the  river,  and  attack  a  party  constructing  a  battery  on  the  right 
of  the  enemy's  line,  within  five  hundred  yards  of  Fort  Brown,  which 
he  handsomely  executed  at  midnight,  with  fifty  men,  drove  off  the 
working-party,  consisting  of  one  hundred  and  fifty,  and  defeated  a 
covering  party  of  the  same  number,  killing  one  officer  and  six  men 
in  the  charge,  and  wounding  many. 

"At  dusk  the  enemy  withdrew  his  artillery  from  the  batteries, 
*nd  raised  the  siege  ;  and  at  nine,  under  cover  of  the  night,  sent  off 


DEFEAT    OF   THE   BRITISH.  131 

in  a  great  hurry  all  the  baggage  he  could  find  transport  for,  and  all 
his  artillery.  At  two  the  next  morning  the  whole  army  precipi 
tately  retreated,  leaving  the  sick  and  wounded  to  our  generosity,  and 
the  governor  left  a  note  with  a  surgeon,  requesting  the  humane  at 
tention  of  the  commanding  general. 

"Vast  quantities  of  provisions  were  left  behind  and  destroyed, 
also  an  immense  quantity  of  bomb-shells,  cannon-balls,  grape-shot, 
ammunition,  flints,  &c.  &c.,  intrenching-tools  of  all  sorts,  also  tents 
and  marquees.  A  great  deal  has  been  concealed  in  the  ponds  and 
creeks,  and  buried  in  the  ground,  and  a  vast  quantity  carried  off  by 
the  inhabitants.  Such  was  the  precipitance  of  his  retreat,  that  he 
arrived  at  Chazy,  a  distance  of  eight  miles,  before  we  discovered  he 
had  gone.  The  light  troops,  volunteers,  and  militia,  pursued  imme 
diately  on  learning  of  his  flight ;  and  some  of  the  mounted  men 
made  prisoners  five  dragoons  of  the  19th  regiment,  and  several 
others  of  the  rear-guard.  A  continual  fall  of  rain  and  a  violent 
storm  prevented  further  pursuit.  Upwards  of  three  hundred  de 
serters  have  come  in,  and  many  are  hourly  arriving. 

"  We  have  buried  the  British  officers  of  the  army  and  navy  with 
the  honours  of  war,  and  shown  every  attention  and  kindness  to  those 
who  have  fallen  into  our  hands. 

"The  conduct  of  the  officers,  non-commissioned  officers,  and  sol 
diers  of  my  command,  during  this  trying  occasion,  cannot  be  repre 
sented  in  too  high  terms ;  and  I  feel  it  my  duty  to  recommend  to  the 
particular  notice  of  government,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Appling  of  the 
1st  rifle  corps ;  Major  Wool,  of  the  29th ;  Major  Totten,  of  the  corps 
of  engineers ;  Captain  Brooks,  of  the  artillery ;  Captain  McGlassin, 
of  the  15th ;  Lieutenants  de  Russy  and  Trescott,  of  the  corps  of 
engineers ;  Lieutenants  Smyth,  Mountford,  and  Cromwell,  of  the 
.artillery ;  also  my  aid-de-camp,  Lieutenant  Root,  who  have  all  dis 
tinguished  themselves  by  their  uncommon  zeal  and  activity,  and 
have  been  greatly  instrumental  in  producing  the  happy  and  glorious 
result  of  the  siege. 

"  The  loss  of  the  enemy  in  killed,  wounded,  prisoners,  and  de 
serters,  since  his  first  appearance,  cannot  fall  short  of  twenty-five 
hundred,  including  many  officers,  among  whom  is  Colonel  Welling 
ton  of  the  Buffs." 

After  this  action,  Wool  received  the  rank  of  Brevet  Lieutenant- 
Colonel,  [September  llth,  1814,]  "for  gallant  conduct  at  the  bat- 


132  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JOHN    E.   WOOL. 

tie  of  Plattsburg."  Before  the  close  of  the  war  he  was  in  seve 
ral  engagements  of  less  magnitude  than  the  two  above  mentioned, 
and  in  each  displayed  that  coolness,  Intrepidity,  and  careful  fore 
thought,  which  have  been  his  principal  characteristics  throughout 
life. 

At  the  expiration  of  the  war,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Wool  continued 
in  the  army,  and  in  1816  was  commissioned  Inspector-General,  with 
the  rank  of  Colonel.  In  1826,  he  was  brevetted  a  Brigadier-Gene 
ral  ;  and,  on  the  25th  of  June,  1841,  he  was  promoted  to  the  rank 
of  full  Brigadier,  and  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  eastern  divi 
sion  of  the  army,  which  had  become  vacant  by  the  appointment  of 
General  Scott  as  general-in-chief,  on  the  death  of  General  Macomb. 
As  Inspector-General,  General  Wool  acted  for  twenty-five  years. 
His  duties  were  connected  with  every  department  of  the  military 
establishment  in  the  United  States  and  her  territories,  extending 
from  Eastport,  in  Maine,  to  the  gulf  of  Mexico,  and  from  the  Atlantic 
to  the  Pacific.  There  were  military  posts  established  at  Mackinac, 
Sault  St.  Marie,  Chicago,  Green  Bay,  Prairie  du  Chien,  St.  Peter's 
on  the  Upper  Mississippi,  twenty-two  hundred  miles  from  its  mouth, 
Council  Bluffs,  some  eighteen  hundred  miles  up  the  Missouri ;  and 
posts  on  the  Arkansas,  six  hundred  miles  from  its  mouth,  and  on 
the  Red  River  four  hundred  miles.  All  of  these  were  within  the 
limits  of  his  tours  of  inspection,  which  annually  embraced  a  distance 
of  from  seven  to  ten  thousand  miles.  There  were  no  means  of 
reaching  these  several  posts  but  by  canoes  and  on  horseback,  with 
provisions  packed  for  a  journey  of  months  through  the  wilderness. 
The  dangers,  privations,  and  hardships,  unavoidable  in  traversing 
lakes,  rivers,  and  forests  by  such  means,  often  with  Indian  guides, 
and  always  without  a  shelter,  or  any  resting-place  but  the  earth  and 
a  blanket,  can  hardly  be  realized  by  those  who  witness  only  the 
facilities  and  advantages  of  travelling  in  civilized  communities. 
Such  was  the  nature  of  the  duties  of  Inspector-General  prior  to  the 
settlement  of  the  states  west  of  the  lakes  and  of  the  Mississippi 
river;  yet,  notwithstanding  the  many  privations  and  hardships, 
Wool  was  at  all  times  cheerful,  prompt  and  energetic. 

General  Wool  was  also  employed  by  the  government  in  three 
special  services,  each  of  which  required  the  skill,  experience,  and 
address  of  an  accomplished  officer  and  gentleman.  These  were, 
1st,  the  suppression  of  the  Canadian  outbreak,  when  the  sympathy 


GENERAL    WOOL   VISITS    EUROPE.  133 

of  our  people  for  the  struggles  of  the  "  Canadian  'Patriots"  nearly 
blew  the  flame  of  disturbance  into  the  conflagration  of  war.  Its 
suppression  was  therefore  a  delicate  and  hazardous  service ;  but  it 
was  admirably  conducted  and  completely  accomplished  by  General 
Wool.  A  conflict  with  Great  Britain,  when  the  exasperation  along 
the  frontier  threatened  a  total  disregard  of  boundaries,  and  the  burn 
ings  and  marches  of  British  troops,  Canadian  refugees,  and  border- 
patriots,  menaced  a  catastrophe  which  neither  nation  wished,  was 
prevented  by  the  extraordinary  management  of  General  Wool,  in 
breaking  up  the  convocations,  and  prevailing  on  armed  bodies  to 
surrender  their  weapons  to  him. 

2d.  His  military  visit  to  Europe.  The  object  of  this  visit  was 
to  examine  the  state  of  military  improvement  abroad,  for  the  purpose 
of  engrafting  on  our  own  system  and  establishing  any  valuable 
changes.  His  reception  abroad  was  as  flattering  to  the  object  as  he 
could  wish.  No  national  jealousy  closed  the  gates  of  fortresses, 
armories  or  garrisons.  King  Louis  Philippe  gave  General  Wool 
an  opportunity  that  seldom  occurs.  He  invited  him  on  the  occasion 
of  the  celebration  of  the  "  Three  Days,"  to  a  grand  review,  when 
more  then  seventy  thousand  men  passed  in  battle  array  before  them. 
At  Belgium  General  Wool  witnessed  a  practical  operation  in  Euro 
pean  warfare,  being  present  at  the  siege  of  Antwerp. 

3d.  General  Wool  was  placed  in  command  of  the  Cherokee 
country,  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  out  the  treaty  with  those  Indi 
ans,  and  extending  the  arm  of  the  government  for  their  protection 
until  their  transportation  to  the  west.  His  conduct  in  this  affair  not 
only  met  with  the  approbation  of  the  government,  but  with  the  gj?a 
titude  of  the  Indians  themselves. 

Since  the  war  with  Mexico  was  declared  by  Congress  to  exist 
[May,  1846],  General  Wool  has  been  occupied,  1st:  In  the  organi 
zation  of  the  western  volunteers ;  2d,  In  the  concentration  of  a 
division  at  San  Antonio  de  Bexar ;  3d,  In  their  march  to  Saltil.'o ; 
and  4th,  In  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista. 

Immediately  after  the  war  with  Mexico  was  declared,  General 
Wool  volunteered  to  take  part  in  the  campaign,  and  a  few  days 
subsequent  to  the  passing  of  the  act  by  Congress,  he  was  gratified 
by  receiving  orders  to  repair  forthwith  to  Washington.  The  very 
clay  he  received  these  orders  he  was  en  route  to  the  capital,  and 
having  obtained  his  instructions,  he  proceeded  to  the  west  to 
12 


134  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JOHN    E.   WOOL. 

organize  and  muster  into  the  service  the  twelve  months'  volunteers 
of  Ohio,  Illinois,  Indiana,  Kentucky,  Tennessee,  and  Mississippi. 
In  six  weeks  he  accomplished  the  task  assigned  him ;  raising  in 
that  short  time  fourteen  and  a  half  regiments,  or  over  twelve  thou 
sand  troops.  Nearly  ten  thousand  of  these  he  sent  to  reinforce 
General  Taylor ;  the  remainder,  nearly  three  thousand,  he  concen 
trated  at  San  Antonio  de  Bexar,  as  a  separate  division  under  his 
own  command. 

All  these  men  were  from  the  ranks  of  private  life,  and  were  with 
out  experience  in  the  art  of  war, — all  destitute  (when  General  Wool 
arrived)  of  the  means  and  supplies  of  a  campaign,  and  all  anxious 
to  push  forward  to  their  respective  rendezvous  to  be  inspected,  mus 
tered,  organized,  provided  for,  and  sent  off  to  the  seat  of  war. 
General  Wool  found  himself  engaged  in  a  novel,  arduous,  embar 
rassing,  and  unpleasant  duty ;  in  a  situation  involving  all  the  details, 
great  and  small,  unavoidable  in  mustering  an  army  into  service  ;  in 
the  heat  of  June  and  July,  and  amid  the  ten  thousand  questions, 
wants,  and  complaints  of  the  volunteers. 

It  required  patience,  skill,  and  labour  to  prepare  an  army  from 
six  different  states,  and  at  the  same  time  to  conduct  a  correspondence 
with  local  governors,  colonels,  agents  .and  other  officers,  as  well  as 
with  the  military  authorities  at  Washington  ;  —  to  fly  from  state  to 
state,  rendezvous  to  rendezvous,  and  be  almost  simultaneously  at 
them  all,  where  volunteers  were  rushing  forward  in  all  the  confu 
sion  incident  to  their  first  appearance,  without  even  a  tent  or  a 
camp-kettle.  Notwithstanding  all  this,  from  the  first  week  in  June 
to  the  third  in  July  this  perplexing  and  arduous,  but  most  important 
service,  was  performed.  He  organized  and  prepared  for  service 
three  regiments  from  Ohio,  three  from  Indiana,  four  from  Illinois, 
two  from  Kentucky  —  one  of  these  a  regiment  of  cavalry,  and  con 
sequently  requiring  much  more  preparation  than  infantry ;  one  of 
cavalry  from  Tennessee ;  and  one  and  a  half  from  Mississippi. 
How  all  this  was  done  in  so  short  a  period,  considering  the  various 
difficulties  already  mentioned,  and  the  delays  in  procuring  arms, 
camp-equipage,  means  of  transportation  and  other  necessaries,  was 
a  matter  of  surprise  and  admiration  to  military  men  and  public 
authorities. 

In  six  weeks  after  he  had  fulfilled  his  instructions  in  organizing 
the  volunteers,  and  despatched  the  required  reinforcements  to  Ge- 


EXERTIONS  IN  ORGANIZING  THE  ARMY.     135 

neral  Taylor,  General  Wool  arrived  at  San  Antonio  de  Bexar,  and 
commenced  preparations  for  his  own  march  through  the  province  of 
Coahuila.  This  march  terminated  at  Saltillo,  and  is  one  of  the  most 
remarkable  and  interesting  of  the  war. 

General  Wool  arrived  at  San  Antonio  de  Bexar  about  the  middle 
of  August.  His  army  (about  three  thousand  men)  had  concentrated 
at  this  place.  By  the  application  of  great  exertion,  and  with  the 
aid  of  indefatigable  staff-officers,  he  was  able  to  put  about  one-half 
of  his  army  into  a  condition  for  marching,  leaving  the  rear  to  be 
brought  forward  by  the  chief  of  his  staff,  Inspector-General  Churchill, 
as  soon  as  means  of  transportation,  and  indispensable  supplies  should 
arrive. 

For  a  complete  narrative  of  the  march  of  General  Wool,  and  of 
the  battle  of  Buena  Vista,  we  refer  the  reader  to  the  following  letter 
from  a  soldier  in  General  Wool's  army : — 

"DEAR  SIR:  —  I  seize  the  first  opportunity  afforded  since  the 
battle  of  Buena  Vista,  of  writing  to  you  from  the  field  an  account 
of  the  more  recent  operations  of  General  Taylor's  army,  including 
that  of  General  Wool's,  heretofore  known  as  the  centre  division. 
The  official  details  of  the  battle  are,  I  suppose,  already  published  in 
the  states,  and  made  familiar  to  you ;  but  you  must  be  ignorant  of 
many  occurrences  of  great  interest  precedent  and  subsequent  to  that 
memorable  event. 

"  General  Wool  landed  from  the  Gulf  on  the  2d  of  August,  1846, 
at  Labaca,  Texas,  with  the  1st  and  2d  Illinois  regiments  (infantry) 
commanded  by  Colonels  Hardin  and  Bissell ;  and  soon  after  took  up 
the  line  of  march  for  San  Antonio  de  Bexar,  one  hundred  and  fifty 
miles  to  the  north.  There  he  was  joined  by  Colonel  Yell's  mounted 
regiment  from  Arkansas,  and  by  that  of  Colonel  Marshall  of  Ken 
tucky  :  Captain  Washington's  well-drilled  company  of  flying  artil 
lery,  eight  pieces,  from  Carlisle,  Pennsylvania,  Major  Bonneville's 
battalion  of  regular  infantry,  and  Colonel  Harney,  with  four  compa 
nies  of  dragoons,  were  also  attached  to  this  division. 

*-  General  Wool  displayed  great  activity  in  organizing  his  army, 
and  putting  the  commissariat  in  the  finest  possible  condition.  Sugar 
and  coffee  of  the  best  quality  have  always  been  a  part  of  his  sol 
diers'  daily  diet.  No  army  was  ever  better  provided  than  this  with 
all  the  munitions  and  appliances  of  war ;  if  we  except  the  quality 
of  the  powder,  which  the  government,  by  some  most  culpable  agents, 


136  BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN    E.   WOOL. 

furnished  for  us — the  infantry:  an  article  far  inferior  to  that  of  Eng 
lish  manufacture,  used  by  the  Mexican  soldiers. 

"The  two  months  passed  in  this  delightful  region  were  well 
spent  in  drilling  for  active  service.  On  the  26th  of  September, 
two  days  after  the  capitulation  of  Monterey,  the  advance,  under 
Colonel  Harney,  marched  for  the  Rio  Grande,  followed  soon  after 
by  General  Wool,  who  left  Colonel  Churchill,  the  inspector,  and 
Colonel  Bissell,  to  bring  up  the  rear,  as  they  began  to  do  on  the  14th 
of  October.  The  whole  army  at  this  time  was  two  thousand  six 
hundred  strong.  We,  of  the  advance,  marched  to  the  Rio  Grande, 
two  hundred  miles,  in  twelve  days,  resting  one  for  General  Wool  to 
join  us. 

"  As  I  can  only  approximate  to  accuracy,  I  shall  use  round  num 
bers  in  mentioning  distances  and  the  population  of  towns.  Crossing 
the  present  boundary  between  our  country  and  Mexico  on  the  12th 
day  of  October,  we  set  foot  upon  the  soil  of  the  enemy.  Thence, 
marched  a  distance  of  four  hundred  miles  to  the  city  of  Parras,  on 
the  south-western  confines  of  this  state,  (Coahuila,)  and  near  a  lake 
of  the  same  name ;  passing  through  and  taking  peaceable  posses 
sion,  in  our  circuitous  route,  of  the  cities,  Presidio  del  Rio  Grande, 
Nava,  San  Fernando,  Santa  Rosa,  Monclova,  the  ancient  capital  of 
this  state,  and  Parras,  which  last  we  reached  on  the  6th  of  Decem 
ber,  1846.  These  cities  contain  each  a  population  of  from  five  to 
fifteen  thousand  souls,  except  Nava,  which  numbers  about  two  thou 
sand.  Monclova  and  Parras  are  quite  wealthy,  and  exhibit  fine  spe 
cimens  of  Spanish  art  and  refinement.  We  spent  some  time  in 
each  of  these  cities  with  pleasure  and  profit,  viewing  much  of 
Mexican  manners  and  customs,  and  enjoying  an  apparently  cordial 
intercourse  with  the  citizens.  Our  line  of  march  carried  us  through 
a  great  variety  of  scenery,  marked,  after  three  days'  progress  in 
Mexico,  by  high  and  barren  mountains  on  the  south  and  west, 
covered  with  traces  of  rich  ores ;  by  sterile  plains  and  table-lands, 
scantily  supplied,  in  the  dry  season,  with  water ;  and  in  the  interior, 
by  beautiful  fertile  valleys,  embosoming  the  quiet  Mexican  cities, 
towns,  and  haciendas,  and  surrounded  in  the  hazy  distance  by  cloud- 
capt  mountains  covered  with  cedars.  You  are  acquainted  with  Illi 
nois,  and  can  form  some  idea  of  Mexico,  as  I  saw  it  for  six  hun 
dred  miles,  by  imagining  the  Prairie  State  elevated  a  thousand 
feet,  and  made  somewhat  more  broken  and  undulating,  with  craggy 


ORDERED  TO  CO-OPERATE  WITH  TAYLOR.    137 

rocky  mountains  towering  from  one  to  two  thousand  feet  above  the 
plains,  taking  the  place  of  the  groves  and  interesting  face  of  the 
country  in  all  directions.  But  it  is  only  by  actual  vision,  that  you 
can  adequately  estimate  the  grand,  though  uninviting  picture  of 
lonely  desolation — the  inhospitable  sterility  that  met  the  eye  of  the 
wearied  soldier,  in  his  toilsome,  thirsty  marches,  and  often  made  him 
wish  that  an  earthquake  had  sunk  the  country  he  was  sent  to  con 
quer.  The  country  bordering  on  the  Rio  Grande,  where  we  crossed 
it,  and  for  a  considerable  distance  into  Mexico,  west  and  south,  is 
low,  level,  very  fertile,  and  well  watered  by  streams  or  irrigating 
canals.  It  already  supports  a  large  population,  and  contains  the 
cities  of  Presidio,  Nava,  and  Fernando ;  the  last  two,  situated  forty 
and  fifty  miles  west  of  the  river,  struck  me  as  quite  flourishing. 

"  The  land  between  the  Nueces  and  the  Rio  Grande,  for  nearly 
a  hundred  miles,  except  a  few  fertile  prairies,  is  divided  into  sandy 
deserts  and  marshy  chapparals,  almost  as  difficult  of  access  as  the 
jungles  of  India.  It  will  be  the  haunt  only  of  savages  and  wild 
beasts  for  many  generations,  if  not  forever.  Personal  observation 
satisfied  me  that  Senator  Benton  was  right  when  he  pronounced  the 
Nueces  '  the  most  profitable  western  boundary  of  Texas.'  Of  the 
country  east  of  this  river,  of  which  I  saw  much,  I  must  say  as  of 
Texas  generally,  with  her  rolling  prairies  and  crystal  streams,  that 
here  I  beheld  the  future  France  of  America,  a  land  destined  to 
bloom  with  "  the  olive  and  myrtle,  the  cedar  and  vine,"  and  to  flow, 
even  in  our  own  time,  with  milk  and  honey. 

"  The  effect  of  our  long  marching,  the  strict  discipline  enforced 
by  our  general,  and  the  exercise  taken  in  drill  were  most  salutary 
upon  the  health  of  our  army.  After  the  professional  and  sedentary 
life  in  the  bilious  atmosphere  of  the  Mississippi,  the  campaign  had 
a  most  renovating  effect.  The  army  lay  encamped  at  Monclova 
three  weeks,  during  which  period  our  rear  came  up,  and  General 
Wool  was  ordered  to  co-operate  with  General  Taylor  at  Monterey, 
instead  of  marching  upon  Chihuahua,  which,  up  to  this  time,  had 
been  our  destination.  Eleven  days  brought  us  to  Parras,  two  hun 
dred  miles  farther  into  the  country,  where  supplies  were  abundant. 
Here  we  lay  in  camp  eleven  days,  in  friendly  intercourse  with  the 
people,  of  whom  many  were  not  destitute  of  moral  worth  and  intelli 
gence.  The  American  sharpers  among  them  —  soi-disant  gentle 
men,  —  engaged  in  trade  and  marrying  fortunes,  struck  me  with 
12* 


138  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JOHN    E.   WOOL. 

more  disgust  than  the  most  degraded  Mexicans.  Many  of  the  better 
class  of  natives  commanded  my  highest  esteem.  One  Don  Manuel 
Toarra,  who  was  educated  in  the  United  States,  found  some  old 
friends  in  the  army,  and  treated  us  with  a  hospitality  commensurate 
with  his  great  wealth.  The  position  was  fixed  in  neutrality  by  his 
intelligence  and  prudence ;  by  his  respect  for  the  American  charac 
ter  and  institutions,  sympathy  for  his  country,  and  by  an  unfeigned 
aversion  for  his  own  rulers — the  demagogues  in  the  city  of  Mexico. 
Santa  Anna  had  assessed  his  contribution  for  the  army  at  sixty  dol 
lars  per  week.  His  reply  to  Santa  Anna  was, '  Come  with  your 
army  and  take  it.' 

"  But  these  halcyon  days  soon  passed  over  our  heads,  and  more 
stirring  scenes  were  at  hand.  General  Worth,  who  lay  at  Saltillo, 
one  hundred  and  twenty  miles  north  of  east  from  us,  with  a  thou 
sand  regulars,  received  intelligence  (which  he  credited)  on  the  16th 
of  December,  that  Santa  Anna  was  within  three  days'  march  of  him, 
with  thirty  thousand  men,  and  was  advancing.  He  despatched  ex 
presses  to  Monterey  and  Parras  for  aid,  promising  to  hold  out  one  day 
against  any  force,  and  requesting  us  to  reinforce  him  on  the  fourth  day. 

"General  Wool  received  this  news  in  the  evening  of  the  17th, 
and  in  less  than  two  hours  the  whole  of  the  army  was  on  the  march. 
On  the  21st  we  reinforced  Worth,  but  no  enemy  was  to  be  seen. 
For  three  nights  in  succession  on  this  march,  which  was  accom 
plished  in  three  days  and  a  half,  the  army  was  aroused  at  one  o'clock 
in  the  morning  to  resume  the  advance.  The  cavalry  and  artillery 
called  us  sleep-walkers,  and  complained  that  we  were  killing  off 
their  horses. 

"  The  spirit  displayed  by  the  men,  their  alacrity,  cheerfulness  and 
patience,  were  most  admirable.  Expecting  as  they  did  to  meet  the 
enemy  every  hour,  their  demeanour  inspired  the  staff  and  all  other 
officers  with  confidence  in  the  result.  Volunteers  as  they  were, 
and,  as  compared  with  the  regulars,  but  imperfectly  disciplined, 
they  suddenly  assumed  a  bearing,  and  readiness  to  obey  orders,  not 
altogether  unworthy  of  the  *  Old  Guard  of  Napoleon.'  This  march 
was  a  fitting  prelude  to  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista. 

"  On  the  21st  of  December  we  sat  down  at  Agua  Nueva,  a  small 
rancho  or  town,  twenty-one  miles  south  of  Saltillo,  and  near  the  great 
pass  in  the  mountains  leading  to  San  Luis  Potosi,  the  seat  of  the 
Mexican  power.  Here  we  passed  Christmas  watching  for  the  ap- 


TAKES    POSITION    AT   BUENA   VISTA.  139 

pearance  of  the  enemy  in  this  pass,  and  in  two  smaller  ones,  a  ,few 
miles  distant  on  each  side  of  us.  New  Year's  day  was  spent  at 
Encantada,  nine  miles  nearer  to  Saltillo ;  we  still  watching,  how 
ever,  and  enjoying  the  luxury  of  frequent  false  alarms.  We  soon 
after  took  up  our  fighting  position  at  the  rancho  of  Buena  Vista, 
five  miles  from  Saltillo,  and  prepared  to  defend  the  pass  two  miles 
in  advance  of  our  camp. 

"  In  the  mean  time,  General  Taylor  was  concentrating  all  his 
available  forces  at  Monterey,  either  to  receive  the  attack  or  to  make 
it  himself.  General  Scott,  however,  chose  that  he  should  receive 
it.  Early  in  January,  General  Worth  was  detached  with  his  divi 
sion  from  General  Taylor,  and  joined  to  Scott  at  Tampico.  Not 
content  with  taking  this  and  General  Patterson's  command  at  Mata- 
moras,  Scott  broke  into  our  division  —  the  marching  column  —  and 
drew  off  to  himself  Colonel  Harney  with  two  companies  of  dragoons, 
and  Major  Bonneville's  battalion  of  four  companies,  leaving  General 
Wool  an  army  of  volunteers,  exclusively ;  if  you  except  Captain 
Steen's  squadron  of  dragoons,  and  Captain  Washington's  battery, 
which  last  even  he  (Scott)  had  the  modesty  to  request  for  his 
own  use." 

The  following  valuable  extracts  from  a  letter  of  one  in  General 
Wool's  army,  [dated  San  Antonio  de  Bexar,  Oct.  14th,  1846,]  give 
accurate  estimates  of  the  force  and  condition  of  the  Division  of  the 
Centre. 

"  It  was  the  last  of  August  before  all  the  various  detachments 
•  which  had  been  ordered  here  to  compose  this  division,  arrived.  As 
soon  as  they  had  done  so,  they  were  actively  employed  in  organiz 
ing,  drilling,  manoeuvring,  &c.,  preparatory  to  taking  the  field. 
The  stores,  both  of  subsistence  and  ammunition,  came  in  but  slowly, 
as  they  had  to  be  hauled  in  wagons  from  Port  Laraca,  on  the  Gulf, 
a  distance  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles ;  and  sufficient  means  for 
transporting  them  were  not  supplied  in  season  to  bring  them  all  on 
at  once.  It  was  the  25th  of  September  before  these  stores  had  ac 
cumulated  here,  over  and  above  the  necessary  quantity  for  the  daily 
use  of  the  troops,  to  allow  the  general  to  commence  his  campaign. 
By  that  time  a  train  of  wagons  large  enough  for  the  advance  had 
been  collected,  and  the  26th  was  appointed  as  the  day  on  which 
that  portion  of  the  division  should  move.  It  was  composed  of  the 
following  troops :— 


140  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JOHN    E.   WOOL. 

"  Colonel  W.  S.  Harney,  2d  dragoons,  in  command. 

First  Lieutenant  Daniel  H.  Rucker,  1st  dragoons,  acting  assistant 
adjutant-general. 

Captain  Osborne  Cross,  assistant  quartermaster. 

Dr.  Josiah  Simpson,  assistant  surgeon,  U.  S.  A. 

Dr.  William  Levely,  assistant  surgeon,  Q.  S.  A. 

Captain  Robert  E.  Lee,  U.  S.  corps  of  engineers. 

Captain  William  D.  Fraser,  U.  S.  corps  of  engineers. 

Captain  George  W.  Hughes,  U.  S.  corps  of  topographical  engi 
neers. 

First  Lieutenant  Lorenzo  Sitgreaves,  U.  S.  corps  of  topographi 
cal  engineers. 

Lieutenant  William  B.  Franklin,  U.  S.  corps  of  topographical 
engineers. 

Captain  John  M.  Washington,  4th  artillery. 

First  Lieutenant  John  P.  J.  O'Brien,  4th  artillery. 

First  Lieutenant  Thomas  L.  Brent,  4th  artillery. 

Second  Lieutenant  Henry  M.  Whitipg,  4th  artillery. 

Total.    Aggregate. 

These  are  the   officers  of  Washington's  light  ar 
tillery,  (company  *  B,'  4th  artillery,)  which  num 
bered  for  duty,  and  able  to  march      ...         95  99 
One  squadron  2d   regiment  U.  S.  dragoons,  com 
posed  of  'A'  and  'I*  companies — able  to  march          118         124 
The  officers  composing  this  squadron  were 

Brevet-Major  Benjamin  L.  Beall,  2d  dragoons. 

First  Lieutenant  John  H.  Hill,  " 

First  Lieutenant  Daniel  G.  Rogers,       " 

Second  Lieutenant  John  Y.  Bicknell,    " 

Second  Lieutenant  James  M.  Hawes,     " 
One  battalion  of  light  infantry,  composed  of  three 
companies  of  the  6th  U.  S.  infantry,  and  one 
of  Kentucky  volunteers — able  to  march     .     ?.ivr.   253 
These  are  the  officers  of  that  battalion,  so  far  as  I 

have  been  able  to  ascertain — 

Major  B.  L.  E.  Bonneville,  6th  U.  S.  infantry. 

Captain  William  Hoffman,  " 

Captain  Albemarle  Cady,  " 

Captain  John  Williams,  Kentucky  volunteers 


LIST   OF   OFFICERS,    ETC.  141 

First  Lieutenant  Edward  H.  Fitzgerald,  6th 

infantry  A.  C.  S. 

First  Lieutenant  Leonidas  Wetmore,  6th,  com 
manding  company. 
Second  Lieutenant  Edwin  Howe,  6th. 
Second  Lieutenant  William  Read,  5th  U.  S. 

infantry. 
Brevet  Second  Lieutenant  William  Rhea,  6th 

U.  S.  infantry. 

(Three  subalterns  of  Capt.  Williams'  company 

of  Kentucky  volunteers,  names  not  known.) 

Six  companies  of  Arkansas  mounted  volunteers. 

Their  collective  strength  of  men  able  to  march, 

was 392         421 

Colonel  Arch.  Yell,  Arkansas  mounted  vol. 
Lieutenant-Colonel  J.  S.  Rone,        "         " 
First  Lieutenant  G.  Meares,  adjt.    ••         " 
Captain  Albert  Pike,  "         " 

Captain  John  Preston,  Jr.,  "         " 

Captain  John  Dillard,  "         " 

Captain  Danley,  "         « 

Captain  Porter,  «         « 

Captain  Inglish,  "         " 

(Subalterns'  names  not  known.) 
Two  companies  ('A'  and  'I')  1st  regiment  of  Illi 
nois  volunteers,  commanded  by  Captain  Morgan, 
of  the  Gluincy  riflemen,    .       . ,  .      .         .     ...       150         156 

Two  companies  ('B'  and  <H')  2d  regiment  of  Illi-  . 
nois  volunteers,  commanded  by  Captain  Webb 
of  the  2d  regiment  I.  V.  ....       135         141 

One  company  of  pioneers,  under  the  direction  of 

Captain  Lee,  and  numbering    ....         30 

Advance— with  66  officers,        ',<&•?, &&,      •     n-t   1171       1237 

"  Two  boats  had  been  constructed  at  this  place  by  Captain  Fraser, 
Engineers,  by  which  the  division  is  to  cross  the  Rio  Grande.  They 
were  taken  apart  and  transported  thither  in  wagons.  The  general 
directed  that  all  the  men  who  were  unable  to  march  fifteen  miles  per 


142  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JOHN    E.    WOOL. 

day  should  be  left"  behind,  to  come  up  with  other  troops,  should  they 
recover  from  sickness,  and  regain  their'strength. 

"  This  force  started  on  the  morning  of  the  26th  September.  Every 
man  in  fine  spirits,  and  every  company  in  the  best  possible  fighting 
order.  Captain  Washington  had  a  fine  battery  of  six  brass  pieces 
— two  twelve-pounders  and  four  six-pounders — and  a  good  supply 
of  ammunition  for  them.  Two  more  brass  six-pounders  are  to  be 
forwarded  from  here.  These  are  to  be  added  to  his  battery,  and 
will  reach  him  at  the  Rio  Grande. 

On  the  morning  of  the  29th  of  September,  General  Wool,  staff, 
and  escort  (one  squadron  of  1st  regiment  U.  S.  dragoons)  left  San 
Antonio  for  the  Rio  Grande.     The  officers  were — 
Brigadier-General  John  E.  Wool,  U.  S.  army. 
First  Lieutenant  Irvin  McDowell,  1st  artillery,  A.  D.  C. 
Brevet  Second  Lieutenant  Francis  T.  Bryan,  topographical  engi 
neers,  additional  A.  D.  C. 

Captain  James  H.  Prentiss,  1st  artillery,  assistant  adjutant-general. 
Captain  William  W.  Chapman,  assistant  quartermaster. 
First  Lieutenant  Marsena  R.  Patrick,  2d  infantry,  A.  C.  S. 
Dr.  Charles  M.  Hitchcock,  assistant  surgeon,  U.  S.  A. 
Major  David  Hunter,  paymaster,  U.  S.  A. 
Second  Lieutenant  Charles  P.  Kingsbury,  ordnance  department. 
Captain  Enoch  Steen,  1st  regiment  U.  S.  dragoons. 
Captain  William  Eustis,  "  " 

Second  Lieut.  Abram  Buford,  "  " 

Sec.  Lieut.  Joseph  H.  Whiltlesey,     "  " 

The  squadron  of  1st  dragoons  was  composed  of  'A'  and  'E'  com 
panies,  and  numbered  one  hundred  and  thirty-one. 
Aggregate  of  all  the  force  which  left  on  the  29th,  one  hundred 
and  forty-four. 

"  Colonel  Sylvester  Churchill,  inspector-general  U.  S.  army,  was 
left  in  command  of  the  forces  remaining  at  San  Antonio  de  Bexar, 
which  forces  were  to  be  forwarded  on  to  join  the  general  at  the 
Presidio  del  Rio  Grande,  as  fast  as  means  of  transportation  would 
allow. 

"On  the  2d  of  October  eight  companies  of  the  1st  regiment  Illi 
nois  volunteers  took  up  their  line  of  march.     This  force  was  com 
manded  by 
Colonel  John  J.  Hardin,  1st  regiment  Illinois  volunteers. 


LIST    OF   OFFICERS.  143 

His  field  and  staff  officers  were — 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Weatherford,  1st  regiment  Illinois  volunteers. 
Major  Warren,  "  "  "  « 

Captain  Robert  H.  Chilton,  A.  Q.  M.,  U.  S.  army. 
Dr.  Herrick,  assistant  surgeon  (by  the  new  law). 
Dr.  Zabriskie,  acting  assistant  surgeon  (by  appointment). 
First   Lieutenant  W.  H.  Wallace,  adjutant  1st  regiment   Illinois 

volunteers. 

The  captains  of  companies  were — 
Captain  Mower,  1st  regiment  Illinois  volunteers. 
Captain  Fry,  "  "  " 

Captain  Zabriskie,        "  "  « 

Captain  Richardson,     «  «  « 

Captain  Crow,  "  "  " 

Captain  Wyatt,  "  "  " 

Captain  Montgomery, "  "  " 

Captain  Landon,  "  "  " 

The  total  of  Colonel  Hardin's  command  was  538—36  officers — 
aggregate,  574. 

"  This  command  was  also  in  fine  order,  and  not  encumbered  by 
any  men  unable  to  march  fifteen  miles  per  day. 

"  The  last  intelligence  received  here  from  General  Wool  was 
dated  at  his  head-quarters  on  the  evening  of  October  5th.  He  had 
overtaken  Colonel  Harney  and  the  advance,  and  was  then  encamped 
twenty-five  miles  only  from  Presidio  del  Rio  Grande.  By  his  table 
of  distances  from  one  watering-place  to  another,  for  the  whole  route, 
(and  giving  an  account  of  the  grazing,  &c.,  for  the  information  of 
the  forces  to  succeed  him,)  Presidio  is  estimated  to  be  one  hundred 
and  fifty-seven  miles  from  San  Antonio.  The  water  abounded  in 
sufficient  quantities,  and  at  intervals  short  enough  to  prevent  the 
necessity  of  transporting  it,  except  for  a  part  of  one  day's  march,  for 
the  whole  way.  The  grazing  is  also  reported  as  being  generally 
good,  except  at  the  Leona  and  Nueces  rivers. 

"  Since  writing  the  foregoing,  another  express  has  arrived  from 
the  general,  with  communications  dated  the  llth  instant.  He  had 
arrived  at  the  river  on  the  9th,  and  nearly  the  whole  of  the  advance 
had  crossed  without  opposition,  and  was  already  in  Mexico.  The 
following  order  was  published  to  the  troops  on  the  9th : — 

"  Soldiers! — After  a  long  and  tedious  march,  you  have  arrived 

G 

' 


144  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JOHN    E.   WOOL. 

on  the  bank  of  the  Rio  Grande.  In  the  performance  of  this  service 
the  commanding  general  has  witnessed  with  the  greatest  pleasure 
your  patience,  good  order,  and  perseverance  under  many  depriva 
tions  and  hardships.  All  have  done  their  duty,  and  in  a  manner 
that  reflects  the  highest  credit  on  both  officers  and  men.  From  this 
remark  he  would  not  except  his  staff,  who  have  actively  and  zeal 
ously  devoted  themselves  to  the  service ;  whilst  Captain  Cross  has 
been  eminently  successful  in  forwarding  his  long  train  of  supplies, 
without  delay  or  serious  accident. 

"  To-morrow  you  will  cross  the  Rio  Grande,  and  occupy  the  ter 
ritory  of  our  enemies.  We  have  not  come  to  make  war  upon  the 
people  or  peasantry  of  the  country,  but  to  compel  the  government 
of  Mexico  to  render  justice  to  the  United  States.  The  people,  there 
fore,  who  do  not  take  up  arms  against  the  United  States,  and  remain 
quiet  and  peaceful  at  their  homes,  will  not  be  molested  or  interfered 
with,  either  as  regards  their  persons  or  property ;  and  all  those  who 
furnish  supplies  will  be  treated  kindly,  and  whatever  is  received 
from  them  will  be  liberally  paid  for. 

.  "  It  is  expected  of  the  troops  that  they  will  observe  the  most  rigid 
discipline  and  subordination.  All  depredations  on  the  persons  or 
property  of  the  people  of  the  country  are  strictly  forbidden ;  and  any 
soldier  or  follower  of  the  camp  who  may  so  far  forget  his  duty  as  to 
violate  this  injunction,  will  be  severely  punished. 

"  A  report  reached  San  Antonio  last  evening,  that  the  Mexicans 
had  assembled  a  force  of  seven  thousand  at  Monclova,  to  arrest 
General  Wool's  advance  at  that  place  ;  and  it  is  also  reported  that 
Santa^Anna  has  taken  command  of  his  army  in  person,  and  already 
established  his  head-quarters  at  Saltillo. 

"  The  rear  of  the  Central  Division  leaves  here  this  day,  to  join  the 
general.  The  officers  are — 

Colonel  Sylvester  Churchill,  Inspector-General  U.  S.  A.,  com 
manding. 

First  Lieutenant  J.  Henry  Carlton,  1st  dragoons,  aid-de-camp. 

Major  Charles  Thomas,  quartermaster  U.  S.  A. 

Captain  Davis,  A.  Q,.  M.  (Under  new  act.) 

Captain  Howard,  A.  C.  S.  "          " 

Dr.  Edward  B.  Price,  surgeon,      , ^  j} .       « 

Dr.  J.  Ham  White,  surgeon,  "          " 

Major  John  B.  Butler,  paymaster,     "  " 


LlSf   OF   OFFICERS,    ETC.  145 

Captain  George  A.  H.  Blake,  2d  dragoons,  commanding  detach 
ment  of  artillery,  dragoons  and  infantry. 

Brevet  Second  Lieutenant  James  Oaks,  2d  dragoons,  on  duty  with 
Captain  Blake. 

Two  companies  of  Arkansas  mounted  volunteers,  commanded  by 
Captain  William  G.  Preston  and  Captain  Hunter. 

Colonel  William  H.  Bissell,  commanding  2d  regiment  Illinois 
volunteers. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Morrison,  2d  regiment  Illinois  volunteers. 

Major  Trail,  "  "  " 

Seven  companies  only,  of  the  2d  regiment,  march  with  this  com 
mand  —  two  having  gone  with  Colonel  Harney,  and  one  (Captain 
Hacker's)  left  as  a  guard  to  this  place.  They  are  commanded  by 
the  following  officers : 

Captain  Wheeler,  Captain  Baker, 

Captain  Coffee,  Captain  Armstrong, 

Captain  Lemon,  Captain  Lott. 

Captain  Miller, 

One  company  of  Texas  volunteers,  commanded  by  Captain  Charles 
A.  Seefeld.  (Names  of  subalterns  not  known.) 

The  whole  of  this  command  numbers,  aggregate,  734. 

"  With  the  next  train  of  wagons,  Major  Solon  Borland,  with  the 
remaining  two  companies  of  Arkansas  volunteers,  is  to  come  up. 
They  are  commanded  by  Captain  Moffitt  and  Captain  Patrick,  and 
will  number,  aggregate,  150. 

"  Then  all  the  forces  of  this  division  will  have  left  for  the  field, 
and  will  number,  all  told,  only  2829. 

"  The  general  will  probably  establish  a  depot  for  stores  somewhere 
in  the  interior  beyond  Presidio  —  as  when  the  rainy  season  com 
mences,  he  no  doubt  desires  to  have  the  distance  for  immediate  and 
frequent  transportation  as  short  as  possible.  It  is  thought  by  many 
here  that  we  shall  have  a  hard  struggle  before  we  capture  Chihua 
hua.  Let  that  be  as  it  may,  we  will  all  try  to  render  oui  country  a 
good  account  of  ourselves. 

"  I  shall  write  you  again  from  the  Presidio  del  Rio  Grande.  You 
have  in  this  crude  letter  the  different  corps,  and  the  strength  of  each ; 
and  when  they  are  mentioned  in  future  letters,  you  can  refer  to  this 
for  many  data  which  will  in  them  be  necessarily  suppressed. 

"  The  north-western  frontier  of  Texas,  during  our  advance,  will 
13 


146  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JOHN    E.   WOOL. 

be  protected  by  a  military  police,  composed  of  four  or  five  compa 
nies  of  mounted  rangers,  three  of  which  have  already  been  mustered 
into  the  service  of  the  United  States  for  twelve  months." 

Fortunately  for  General  Taylor,  Wool  was  not  sent  with  the 
regular  troops  who  had  been  called  away  from  the  Rio  Grande  to 
Vera  Cruz.  To  him  was  entrusted  the  management  of  the  battle 
of  Buena  Vista,  and  in  all  the  extremities  of  that  eventful  field,  the 
army  leaned  on  him  for  advice  and  assistance.  There  the  volun 
teers  learned  the  use  of  that  strict  discipline  which  he  had  been  so 
indefatigable  to  enforce ;  and  his  stern  voice  sounded  along  the 
gorges  of  Angostura  like  some  mighty  spirit's,  to  whom  was  en 
trusted  the  chances  of  battle.  His  official  report  of  the  action, 
which  we  insert  entire,  is  the  most  scientific  description  of  it  ever 
published. 

"  Agreeably  to  the  orders  from  the  commanding  general,  I  have 
the  honour  to  report  that,  on  the  21st  ult.,  the  troops  at  Agua  Nueva 
broke  up  their  encampment,  and,  preceded  by  the  supply  and  bag 
gage  train,  marched  for  Buena  Vista  and  Saltillo,  except  Colonel 
Yell's  regiment  of  Arkansas  volunteers,  which  remained  to  look 
out  for  the  enemy,  reported  to  be  advancing  on  Agua  Nueva  in 
great  force,  and  to  guard  some  public  stores  left  at  the  hacienda  until 
transportation  could  be  obtained  to  carry  them  to  Buena  Vista. 

"On  the  arrival  of  the  commanding  general  at  Encantada,  he  di 
rected  that  Colonel  McKee's  regiment,  2d  Kentucky  volunteers,  and 
a  section  of  Captain  Washington's  battery,  be  kept  at  that  place  to 
give  support  to  Colonel  Yell  in  case  he  should  be  driven  in  by  the 
enemy.  Between  Encantada  and  Buena  Vista,  at  a  place  called  the 
Pass,  Colonel  Hardin's  regiment  1st  Illinois  volunteers  was  stationed. 
The  rest  of  my  command  encamped  near  the  hacienda  of  Buena 
Vista.  The  major-general  commanding,  accompanied  by  Lieute 
nant-Colonel  May's  squadron,  (2d  dragoons,)  Captains  Sherman  and 
Bragg's  batteries,  (3d  artillery,)  and  the  Mississippi  regiment,  com 
manded  by  Colonel  Davis,  proceeded  to  Saltiilo,  to  provide  against 
the  attack  meditated  by  General  Minon,  with  a  cavalry  force  reported 
to  be  three  thousand  strong.  As  many  wagons  as  could  be  obtained 
were  ordered  to  return  forthwith  to  Agua  Nueva,  and  bring  off  what 
remained  of  the  stores  at  that  place. 

"  In  the  course  of  the  evening,  agreeably  to  the  instructions  of  the 
commanding  general,  transmitted  from  Saltillo,  Colonel  Marshall, 


WOOL'S   OPERATIONS   AT   BUENA   VISTA.  147 

with  his  regiment  and  the  1st  dragoons,  were  ordered  to  Agua 
Nueva  to  reinforce  Colonel  Yell,  who  was  directed,  in  case  he 
should  be  attacked,  to  destroy  every  thing  at  that  place  he  could  not 
bring  off,  and  to  retire  before  12  o'clock,  P.  M.  Colonel  McKee,  at 
Encantada,  with  the  section  of  artillery,  was  directed  to  join  Colonel 
Yell  on  his  retreat,  and  the  whole  to  fall  back  to  Buena  Vista,  should 
the  enemy  pursue  them  to  that  place.  Before  leaving  Agua  Nueva, 
Colonel  Yell's  pickets  were  driven  in  by  the  advanced  parties  of 
the  Mexicans.  He  then  retired  with  the  reinforcements  under  the 
command  of  Colonel  Marshal],  after  destroying  a  small  quantity  of 
com  yet  remaining  at  the  hacienda,  and  leaving  a  few  wagons 
which  had  been  precipitately  abandoned  by  their  teamsters. 

"All  the  advanced  parties  came  into  Buena  Vista,  except  Colonel 
Hardin's  regiment,  before  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  22d. 

"  At  8  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  the  22d,  I  received  notice  that  the 
Mexican  army  was  at  Agua  Nueva,  and  ordered  a  section  of  Cap 
tain  Washington's  artillery  to  move  forward  and  join  Colonel  Hardin. 
Shortly  afterwards  I  repaired  to  that  position,  where  it  had  been  de 
termined  to  give  battle  to  the  enemy.  During  the  previous  night, 
agreeably  to  my  orders,  Colonel  Hardin's  regiment  had  thrown  up 
a  parapet  on  the  height,  on  the  left  of  the  road,  and  had  dug  a  small 
ditch,  and  made  a  parapet  extending  from  the  road  around  the  edge 
of  the  gulley,  on  the  right  of  the  road.  They  were  then  directed 
to  dig  a  ditch,  and  make  a  parapet  across  the  road  for  the  protection 
of  Captain  Washington's  artillery,  leaving  a  narrow  passage  next 
to  the  hill,  which  was  to  be  closed  up  by  running  into  it  two  «va- 
gons  loaded  with  stone. 

"  About  9  o'clock,  our  pickets,  stationed  at  the  Encantada,  three 
and  a  half  miles  distant,  discovered  the  enemy  advancing.  Word 
was  immediately  despatched  to  the  commanding  general  at  Saltillo  ; 
and  I  ordered  the  troops  at  Buena  Vista  forthwith  to  be  brought 
forward. 

"  Captain  Washington's  battery  was  posted  across  the  road,  pro 
tected  on  its  left  by  a  commanding  eminence,  and  on  its  right  by 
deep  gullies.  The  2d  Kentucky  infantry,  commanded  by  Colonel 
McKee,  was  stationed  on  a  hill  immediately  in  the  rear  of  Wash 
ington's  battery.  The  six  companies  of  the  1st  Illinois  regiment, 
commanded  by  Colonel  Hardin,  took  post  on  the  eminence  on  the 
left;  and  two  companies,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Weatherford, 


148  BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN    E.    WOOL. 

occupied  the  breastwork  on  the  right  of  Washington's  battery.  The 
2d  Illinois  regiment  was  stationed  on  the  left  of  the  Kentucky  regi 
ment.  The  Indiana  brigade,  commanded  by  Brigadier-General 
Lane,  was  posted  on  a  ridge  immediately  in  rear  of  the  front  line, 
and  Captain  Stein's  squadron  in  reserve,  in  rear  of  the  Indiana  bri 
gade.  The  Kentucky  regiment  of  cavalry,  under  the  command  of 
Colonel  Marshall,  and  the  Arkansas  regiment,  under  the  command 
of  Colonel  Yell,  were  stationed  to  the  left  of  the  second  line  towards 
the  mountains.  Shortly  afterwards  the  rifle  companies  of  these  two 
regiments  were  dismounted,  and  with  the  cavalry  companies  of  the 
Kentucky  regiment,  and  a  battalion  of  riflemen  from  the  Indiana 
brigade,  under  Major  Gorman,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Mar 
shall,  were  ordered  to  take  post  on  the  extreme  left,  and  at  the  foot 
of  the  mountains. 

"  These  dispositions  were  approved  by  the  major-general  com 
manding;  who  had  now  returned  from  Saltillo,  bringing  with  him 
Lieutenant-Colonel  May's  squadron  of  the  2d  dragoons,  Captains 
Sherman  and  Bragg's  batteries  of  artillery,  and  the  Mississippi 
regiment  of  riflemen. 

"The  enemy  had  halted  just  beyond  cannon-shot,  and  displayed 
his  forces  on  either  side  of  the  road,  and  commenced  pushing  his 
light  infantry  into  the  mountains  on  our  left.  At  the  same  time,  in 
dications  of  an  attempt  on  our  right  induced  the  commanding  ge 
neral  to  order  the  2d  Kentucky  infantry  and  Captain  Bragg's  bat 
tery,  with  a  detachment  of  mounted  men,  to  take  post  on  the  right 
of  the  gullies,  and  at  some  distance  in  advance  of  Captain  Wash 
ington's  battery,  in  the  centre. 

"  Captain  Sherman's  battery  was  held  in  reserve  in  rear  of  the 
second  line. 

"  The  enemy  was  now  seen  pushing  his  infantry  on  his  right 
towards  the  heights,  showing  evidently  an  intention  to  turn  our  left, 
in  order  to  get  possession  of  the  key  to  our  position  —  the  eminence 
immediately  on  the  left  of  Washington's  artillery — and  thus  open  a 
free  passage  to  Saltillo. 

"Colonel  Marshall,  with  his  regiment,  the  Arkansas  riflemen, 
under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Roane,  and  the  Indiana  rifle  battalion, 
under  Major  Gorman,  was  charged  with  meeting  this  party,  and 
checking  their  movement  on  our  left.  Brigadier-General  Lane, 
<\ith  the  2d  Indiana  regiment,  and  a  section  of  Captain  Washing- 


BATTLE   OF   BUENA   VISTA.  149 

ton's  artillery,  under  Lieutenant  O'Brien — since  captain  in  the  quar 
termaster's  department  —  was  ordered  to  the  extreme  left  and  front 
of  the  plain,  which  was  terminated  by  a  deep  ravine,  extending 
from  the  mountain  to  the  road,  with  orders  to  prevent  the  enemy 
from  coming  around  by  the  base  of  the  mountain. 

"At  2  o'clock,  as  the  enemy's  light  infantry  were  moving  up  the 
side  of  the  mountain  and  in  the  ravines,  they  opened  a  fire  on  our 
riflemen  from  a  large  howitzer  posted  in  the  road ;  and  between  3 
and  4  o'clock  Colonel  Marshall  engaged  the  Mexican  infantry  on 
the  side  of  the  mountain,  and  the  firing  continued  on  both  sides  at 
intervals  until  dark.  In  this  our  troops  sustained  no  loss,  whilst 
that  of  the  enemy  is  known,  by  a  subsequent  inspection  of  the 
ground,  to  be  considerable.  After  the  firing  had  ceased,  the  major- 
general  commanding  again  returned  to  Saltillo  to  see  to  matters  at 
that  place,  and  to  guard  against  General  Minon  and  his  cavalry, 
taking  with  him  the  Mississippi  regiment  and  squadron  of  the  3d 
dragoons. 

"  The  troops  remained  underarms  during  the  night  in  the  position 
they  occupied  at  the  close  of  the  day.  About  2  o'clock,  A.  M.,  of, 
the  23d,  our  pickets  were  driven  in  by  the  Mexicans,  and  at  the 
dawn  of  the  day  the  action  was  renewed  by  the  Mexican  light  in 
fantry  and  our  riflemen  on  the  side  of  the  mountain. 

"  The  enemy  had  succeeded  during  the  night,  and  early  in  the 
morning,  in  gaining  the  very  top  of  the  mountain,  and  in  passing  to 
our  left  and  rear.  He  had  reinforced  his  extreme  right  by  some 
fifteen  hundred  to  two  thousand  infantry. 

"Major  Prail,  2d  Illinois  volunteers,  was  ordered,  with  his  battalion 
of  riflemen,  to  reinforce  Colonel  Marshall,  who  was  engaged  in 
holding  the  right  of  the  enemy  in  check. 

"The  enemy  now  opened  a  fire  upon  our  left  from  a  battery  planted 
on  the  side  of  the  mountain  near  where  his  light  infantry  had  com 
menced  ascending  it  —  everything  now  indicating  that  the  main 
attack  would  be  against  our  left. 

"The  2d  Kentucky  infantry  and  Bragg's  battery  of  artillery  were 
by  instructions  given  to  Major  Mansfield,  ordered  from  the  extreme 
right,  and  Sherman's  battery  ordered  up  from  the  rear  to  take  post 
with  Colonel  Bissell's  regiment  (2d  Illinois'  volunteers)  on  the  pla 
teau  which  extends  from  the  centre  of  the  line  to  the  foot  of  the 
mountain,  the  sides  of  which  were  now  filled  with  the  Mexican  in- 
13* 


150  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JOHN    E.   WOOL. 

fantry  and  our  riflemen,  between  whom  the  firing  had  become  very 
brisk.  About  this  time  the  major-general  commanding  was  seen 
returning  from  Saltillo  with  the  Mississippi  regiment  and  the  squad 
ron  of  the  2d  dragoons  ;  and,  shortly  after,  he  arrived  and  took  his 
position  in  the  centre  of  the  field  of  battle,  where  he  could  see  and 
direct  the  operations  of  the  day.  At  8  o'clock,  a  large  body  of  the 
enemy,  composed  of  infantry,  lancers,  and  three  pieces  of  artillery, 
moved  down  the  high  road  upon  our  centre,  held  by  Captain  Wash 
ington's  battery  and  the  1st  Illinois  volunteers,  but  were  soon  dis 
persed  by  the  former.  The  rapidity  and  precision  of  the  fire  of  the 
artillery  scattered  and  dispersed  this  force  in  a  few  minutes  with 
considerable  loss  on  their  side,  and  little  or  none  on  our  own. 

"  In  connection  with  this  movement,  a  heavy  column  of  the  ene 
my's  infantry  and  cavalry  and  the  battery  on  the  side  of  the  moun 
tain  moved  against  our  left,  which  was  held  by  Brigadier-General 
Lane,  with  the  2d  Indiana  regiment,  and  Lieutenant  O'Brien's  sec 
tion  of  artillery,  by  whom  the  enemy's  fire  was  warmly  returned, 
and,  owing  to  the  range,  with  great  effect  by  Lieutenant  O'Brien's 
artillery.  General  Lane,  agreeably  to  my  orders,  wishing  to  bring 
his  infantry  within  striking  distance,  ordered  his  line  to  move  for 
ward.  This  order  was  duly  obeyed  by  Lieutenant  O'Brien.  The 
infantry,  however,  instead  of  advancing,  retired  in  disorder  ;  and,  in 
spite  of  the  utmost  efforts  of  their  general  and  his  officers,  left  the 
artillery  unsupported,  and  fled  the  field  of  battle.  Some  of  them 
were  rallied  by  Colonel  Bowles,  who,  with  the  fragment,  fell  in  the 
ranks  of  the  Mississippi  riflemen,  and  during  the  day  did  good  ser 
vice  with  that  gallant  regiment.  I  deeply  regret  to  say  that  most 
of  them  did  not  return  to  the  field,  and  many  of  them  continued  their 
flight  to  Saltillo. 

"Lieutenant  O'Brien,  being  unsupported  by  any  infantry,  and 
not  being  able  to  make  head  against  the  heavy  column  bearing  down 
upon  him  with  a  destructive  fire,  fell  back  on  the  centre,  leaving 
one  of  his  pieces,  at  which  all  the  cannoniers  and  horses  were  either 
lulled  or  disabled,  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  Seeing  themselves 
cut  off  from  the  centre  by  the  flight  of  the  2d  Indiana  regiment,  and 
the  consequent  advance  of  the  Mexican  infantry  and  cavalry  upon 
the  ground  previously  occupied  by  it,  the  riflemen  under  the  com 
mand  of  Colonel  Marshall  retreated  from  their  position  in  the 
mountain,  where  they  had  been  so  successfully  engaged  with  the 


BATTLE   OF   BUENA    VISTA.  151 

enemy  on  the  other  side  of  the  dry  bed  of  a  deep  and  broad  torrent 
that  is  immediately  in  rear  of  our  position.  Here  many  fled  in  dis 
order  to  the  rear.  Some  of  them  were  subsequently  rallied  and 
brought  again  into  action,  with  their  brave  companions ;  others  were 
stopped  at  the  hacienda  of  Buena  Vista,  and  there  re-formed  by 
their  officers. 

"  The  enemy  immediately  brought  forward  a  battery  of  three 
pieces,  and  took  a  position  on  the  extreme  left  of  our  line,  under 
the  mountain,  and  commenced  an  enfilading  fire  on  our  centre, 
which  was  returned  with  so  much  effect  upon  the  advancing  column 
of  the  Mexicans,  containing  near  six  thousand  infantry  and  lancers, 
that  it  forced  them  to  keep  to  the  upper  side  of  the  plateau,  close 
under  the  side  of  the  mountain ;  and,  instead  of  turning  to  the  left 
and  advancing  on  our  centre,  against  the  heavy  fire  of  so  much 
well-served  artillery,  continued  its  course  perpendicular  to  our  line 
on  the  extreme  left,  crossed  over  the  bed  of  the  dry  torrent,  in  the 
direction  taken  by  our  retreating  riflemen,  keeping  all  the  while 
close  to  the  foot  of  the  mountain.  Colonels  Marshall  and  Yell,  with 
their  cavalry  companies,  Colonel  May,  with  the  squadron  of  the  1st 
and  2d  dragoons,  and  Captain  Pike's  squadron,  Arkansas  regiment, 
in  connection  with  a  brigade  of  infantry,  formed  of  the  Mississippi 
regiment,  the  3d  Indiana,  (Colonel  Lane)  and  a  fragment  of  the  2d 
Indiana  regiment,  under  Colonel  Bowles,  and  Bragg's  artillery,  and 
three  pieces  of  Sherman's  battery,  succeeded  in  checking  the  march 
of  this  column.  The  Mississippi  regiment  alone,  and  with  a  howit 
zer  under  Captain  Sherman,  moved  against  some  four  thousand  of 
the  enemy,  and  stopped  them  in  their  march  upon  Saltillo.  A  large 
body  of  lancers  from  this  body  formed  column  in  one  of  the  moun 
tain  gorges,  and  advanced  through  the  Mexican  infantry,  to  make  a 
descent  on  the  hacienda  of  Buena  Vista,  near  which  our  train  of 
supplies  and  baggage  had  been  packed.  They  were  gallantly  and 
successfully  met  by  our  mounted  men,  under  Colonels  Marshall  and 
Yell,  and  the  attacking  column  separated  — 'part  returning  to  the 
mountain  under  cover  of  their  infantry,  and  a  part  through  the  ha 
cienda.  Here  the  latter  were  met  by  a  destructive  fire  from  those 
men  who  had  left  the  field  in  the  early  part  of  the  action,  and  had 
been  rallied  by  their  officers.  Colonel  May's  dragoons  and  a  section 
of  artillery,  under  Lieutenant  Reynolds,  coming  up  at  this  moment, 
completed  the  rout  of  this  portion  of  the  enemy's  cavalry.  The 

G* 


152  BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN    E.    WOOL. 

column  that  had  passed  our  left,  and  had  gone  some  two  miles  to 
our  rear,  now  faced  about,  and  commenced  retracing  their  steps, 
exposing  their  right  flank  to  a  very  heavy  and  destructive  fire  from 
our  infantry  and  artillery,  who  were  drawn  up  in  a  line  parallel  to 
the  march  of  the  retreating  column,  of  whom  many  were  forced  on 
and  over  the  mountains,  and  many  dispersed. 

"  General  Santa  Anna,  seeing  the  situation  of  this  part  of  his  army, 
and,  no  doubt,  considering  them  as  cut  off,  sent  in  a  flag  to  the  ma 
jor-general  commanding  to  know  what  he  desired.  The  general 
asked  me  to  be  the  bearer  of  his  answer,  to  which  I  cheerfully 
assented,  and  proceeded  immediately  to  the  enemy's  battery  under 
the  mountains,  to  see  the  Mexican  general-in-chief.  But  in  conse 
quence  of  a  refusal  to  cease  firing  on  our  troops,  to  whom  the  news 
of  the  truce  had  not  yet  been  communicated,  and  who  were  actively 
engaged  with  the  Mexican  infantry,  I  declared  the  parley  at  an 
end,  and  returned  without  seeing  General  Santa  Anna,  or  commu 
nicating  the  answer  of  the  general  commanding. 

"  The  Mexican  column  was  now  in  rapid  retreat,  pursued  by  our 
artillery,  infantry,  and  cavalry ;  and,  notwithstanding  the  effect  of 
our  fire,  they  succeeded  for  the  greater  part,  favoured  by  the  con 
figuration  of  the  ground,  in  crossing  the  bed  of  the  torrent,  and 
regaining  the  plateau  from  which  they  had  previously  descended. 

"  Whilst  this  was  taking  place  on  the  left  and  rear  of  the  line, 
our  centre,  under  the  immediate  eye  of  the  commanding  genera], 
although  it  suffered  much  in  killed  and  wounded,  stood  firm,  and 
repelled  every  attempt  to  march  upon  it. 

"  The  Mexican  forces  being  now  concentrated  on  our  left,  made 
a  bold  move  to  carry  our  centre,  by  advancing  with  his  whole 
strength  from  the  left  and  front.  At  this  moment,  Lieutenant 
O'Brien  was  ordered  to  advance  his  battery  and  check  this  move 
ment.  He  did  so  in  a  bold  and  gallant  manner,  and  maintained 
his  position  until  his  supporting  force  was  completely  routed  by  an 
immensely  superior  force.  His  men  and  horses  being  nearly  all 
killed  and  wounded,  he  found  himself  under  the  necessity  of  aban 
doning  his  pieces,  and  they  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  From 
this  point  the  enemy  marched  upon  the  centre,  where  the  shock 
was  met  by  Colonel  McKee,  the  1st  Illinois,  under  Colonel  Hardin, 
and  the  2d,  under  Colonel  Bissell,  all  under  the  immediate  eye  of 
the  commanding  general.  This  was  the  hottest  as  well  as  the  most 


RETREAT  OF  THE  ENEMY.          153 

critical  part  of  the  action ;  and  at  the  moment  when  our  troops  were 
about  giving  way  before  the  vastly  superior  force  with  which  they 
were  contending,  the  batteries  of  Captains  Sherman  and  Bragg 
coming  up  most  opportunely  from  the  rear,  and  under  the  immediate 
direction  of  the  commanding  general,  by  a  well-directed  fire  checked 
and  drove  back  with  great  loss  the  enemy,  who  had  come  close  upon 
the  muzzles  of  their  pieces.  A  part  of  the  enemy's  lancers  took 
our  infantry  in  flank,  and  drove  them  down  the  ravine  in  front  of 
Captain  Washington's  battery,  who  saved  them  by  a  well-directed 
and  well-timed  fire  from  his  pieces. 

"  This  was  the  last  great  effort  of  General  Santa  Anna ;  the  firing, 
however,  between  the  enemy's  artillery  and  our  own,  continued  until 
night. 

"  The  troops  lay  on  their  arms  in  the  position  in  which  they  were 
placed  at  evening.  Major  Warren's  command,  consisting  of  four 
companies  of  Illinois  infantry,  and  a  detachment  of  Captain  Web 
ster's  company,  under  Lieutenant  Donaldson,  were  brought  on  the 
field  from  Saltillo ;  where  they  had  performed,  during  the  day,  im 
portant  services  in  connection  with  Captain  Webster's  battery,  under 
a  piece  ably  served  by  Lieutenant  (now  Captain)  Shover,  3d  artil 
lery,  in  repelling  the  attack  of  General  Minon  and  his  cavalry  on 
that  place.  Every  arrangement  was  made  to  engage  the  enemy 
early  the  next  morning,  when,  at  daybreak,  it  was  discovered  he 
had  retreated  under  cover  of  the  night,  leaving  about  one  thousand 
dead  and  several  hundred  wounded  on  the  field  of  battle,  and  two 
hundred  and  ninety-four  prisoners  in  our  hands,  one  standard,  and 
a  large  number  of  arms. 

"  Our  own  loss  was,  I  deeply  regret  to  say,  very  great — equalling, 
if  not  exceeding,  in  proportion  to  the  numbers  engaged,  that  of  the 
enemy.  In  killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  it  amounted  to  rising  of 
seven  hundred.  Among  the  dead,  some  of  the  most  gallant  of  our 
officers  fell  while  leading  their  men  to  the  charge,  and  some  who 
are  well  known  to  the  country  for  distinguished  services  on  other 
fields,  among  whom  were  Colonel  A.  Yell,  of  Arkansas,  Colonel 
William  McKee,  Lieutenant-Colonel  H.  Clay,  of  Kentucky,  and 
Colonel  Hardin,  of  Illinois.  I  also  lost  my  assistant  adjutant-gene 
ral,  Captain  Lincoln,  who  was  as  brave,  gallant,  and  as  accomplished 
an  officer  as  I  ever  knew.  He  fell  in  the  execution  of  my  orders, 
and  in  the  attempt  to  rally  our  men. 


154  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JOHN    E.    WOOL. 

"  The  troops  posted  in  the  centre  were  constantly  under  the  eye 
of  the  commanding  general,  and  their  movements  and  bearing  during 
the  battle  are  better  known  to  him  than  myself.  I  think  it  proper, 
however,  to  bear  witness  with  him  to  the  particular  good  conduct 
of  the  1st  Illinois  volunteers,  under  Colonel  Hardin,  and,  after  his 
death,  under  Colonel  Weatherford ;  of  the  2d  Illinois  volunteers, 
under  Colonel  Bissell ;  and  the  2d  Kentucky  infantry,  under  Colo 
nel  McKee,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Clay,  and  after  their  death,  under 
Major  Fry.  These  regiments  suffered  greatly  in  the  contest,  and 
were  ably  and  gallantly  led  on  by  their  officers,  as  their  number, 
names,  and  rank  of  the  killed  will  abundantly  testify. 

"I  also  desire  to  express  my  high  admiration,  and  to  offer  my 
warmest  thanks  to  Captains  Washington,  Sherman  and  Bragg,  and 
Lieutenants  O'Brien  and  Thomas,  and  their  batteries ;  to  whose 
services  at  this  point,  and  on  every  other  part  of  the  field,  I  think 
it  but  justice  to  say,  we  are  mainly  indebted  for  the  great  victory  so 
successfully  achieved  by  our  arms  over  the  great  force  opposed  to 
us  —  more  than  twenty  thousand  men  and  seventeen  pieces  of 
artillery.  Without  our  artillery  we  would  not  have  maintained  our 
position  a  single  hour. 

"Brigadier-General  Lane  was  very  active  and  prompt  in  the  dis 
charge  of  his  duty,  and  rendered  good  service  throughout  the  day. 
He  reports,  among  many  others,  Colonel  Lane  and  the  3d  Indiana 
regiment  as  having  done  themselves  great  credit.  To  Colonel 
Davis  and  the  Mississippi  regiment  under  his  command,  whose  ser 
vices  were  conspicuous  in  the  open  engagements  on  the  rear  of  our 
left,  great  credit  is  due  for  the  part  they  performed,  and  much  praise 
for  their  conspicuous  gallantry,  which  caused  them  to  be  a  rallying 
point  for  the  force  that  was  driven  in  from  the  left,  and  who,  in  con 
nection  with  the  3d  Indiana  regiment,  and  a  fragment  of  the  2d 
Indiana,  under  its  gallant  colonel,  constituted  almost  the  only  in 
fantry  opposed  to  the  heavy  column  of  the  enemy. 

"  Colonel  Marshall  rendered  gallant  and  important  services,  both 
as  the  commander  of  the  riflemen  in  the  mountains,  where  he  and 
his  men  were  very  effectual,  and  as  the  commander  of  the  cavalry 
companies  of  his  regiment,  in  connection  with  those  of  the  Arkan 
sas  regiment,  under  Colonel  Yell,  and  after  his  death,  under  Lieu- 
<enant-Colonel  Roane,  (who  commanded  them  in  a  gallant  manner,) 
Jn  their  operations  against  the  enemy's  lancers.  Colonel  Marshall 


CORPS    APs7D    OFFICERS    DISTINGUISHED.  155 

reports  that  Lieutenant-Colonel  Field  was  everywhere  during  the 
battle,  and  equal  entirely  to  his  station,  and  rendered  the  most  es 
sential  assistance. 

"  Brevet  Lieutenant-Colonel  May,  2d  dragoons,  with  the  squadron 
of  the  1st  and  2d  dragoons,  and  Captain  Pike's  squadron  of  Arkan 
sas  cavalry,  and  a  section  of  artillery,  admirably  served  by  Lieu 
tenant  Reynolds,  3d  artillery,  played  an  important  part  in  checking 
and  dispersing  the  enemy  in  the  rear  of  our  left.  They  retired  be 
fore  him  whenever  he  approached  them.  The  gallant  Captain 
Steen,  whilst  rallying,  under  the  orders  of  the  commanding  general, 
some  men  running  from  the  field  of  battle,  was  severely  wounded 
in  the  thigh. 

"Major  McCulloch,  quartermaster,  in  command  of  a  Texas  spy 
company,  has,  on  the  field,  and  in  all  the  reconnoissances  for  seve 
ral  days  previous  to  the  contest,  given  me  great  assistance  and 
valuable  information. 

"  Though  belonging  to  the  staff  of  the  major-general  command 
ing,  yet  the  very  important  and  valuable  services  of  Major  Mans 
field,  to  whom  I  am  greatly  indebted  for  the  aid  I  received  from  his 
untiring  exertions,  activity,  and  extensive  information,  as  well  as  for 
his  gallant  bearing  during  the  days  and  nights  of  the  21st,  22d, 
23d  and  24th,  give  me  the  privilege  of  expressing  to  the  com 
manding  general  my  entire  admiration  of  this  accomplished  officer's 
conduct. 

"My  thanks  are  also  due  to  Major  Monroe,  chief  of  artillery,  for 
the  services  rendered  by  him  on  the  field,  as  chief  of  artillery,  and 
for  his  exertions  in  rallying  the  men  at  Buena  Vista,  and  disposing 
of  them  at  that  place,  to  meet  the  attack  of  the  enemy's  lancers. 
Paymaster  Dix  and  Captain  Leonard  rendered  very  valuable  aid 
by  their  gallantry  in  rallying  the  troops.  Lieutenant  Renham,  en 
gineer,  was  very  gallant,  zealous,  and  efficient  at  all  times,  night 
and  day,  in  the  performance  of  the  important  duties  with  which  he 
was  charged. 

"  Of  my  staff  I  cannot  speak  in  too  high  terms  ;  their  devotion  to 
duty  at  all  times,  day  and  night,  and  their  activity  and  gallant  bear 
ing  on  the  21st,  22d,  23d,  and  24th,  not  only  command  my  admi 
ration,  but  is  worthy  of  all  praise. 

*********** 

"I  cannot  close  my  report  without  expressing,  officially  and  for- 


156  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JOHN    E.   WOOL. 

mally,  as  I  have  heretofore  done  personally  to  the  major-general 
commanding,  the  feelings  of  gratitude  I  have  for  the  confidence  and 
extreme  consideration  which  have  marked  all  his  acts  towards  me ; 
which  have  given  me  additional  motives  for  exertion,  and  increased 
zeal  in  the  execution  of  the  responsible  duties  with  which  I  have 
been  charged. 
##*###***#*# 

"  The  forces  engaged  in  the  great  battle  of  the  22d  and  23d 
ultimo,  were  as  follows  : — 

"  The  United  States  troops,  commanded  by  Major-General  Taylor, 
amounted  to  only  four  thousand  six  hundred  and  ten,  including 
officers. 

"  The  forces  under  the  command  of  General  Santa  Anna  amount 
ed  to  twenty-two  thousand.  Some  of  the  Mexican  officers  taken 
prisoners  stated  the  number  to  be  twenty-four  thousand,  exclusive 
of  artillery.  This  number,  I  presume,  included  General  Minon's 
cavalry,  reported  to  be  from  two  to  three  thousand. 

"  The  army  is  represented  to  be  in  a  disorganized  state,  and  that 
the  losses  in  killed  and  wounded,  and  by  desertion,  exceed  six  thou 
sand  men.  The  dead,  the  dying,  and  the  wounded  in  a  starving 
condition,  everywhere  to  be  seen  on  its  route,  bespeak  a  hurried  re 
treat  and  extreme  distress," 

A  writer,  already  quoted,  gives  the  following  account  of  Wool's 
conduct  in  the  battle,  together  with  many  interesting  incidents : 

"  Our  general  was  encamped  on  the  5th  ult.,  with  Colonel  Bissell 
and  Captain  Washington,  on  the  heights  above  and  to  the  south  of 
Saltillo,  the  rest  of  the  army  being  distributed  through  the  valley, 
still  watching  the  passes  to  San  Luis,  when  he  who  is  called  by  his 
devoted  soldiers  Old  Rough  and  Ready,  came  up  with  Bragg's  and 
Sherman's  batteries  and  Colonel  Davis'  Mississippi  regiment.  He 
expressed  great  satisfaction  and  pleasure  with  our  discipline  and  the 
manner  in  which  General  Wool  had  'brought  us  up.'  By  command 
of  General  Worth,  General  Lane,  with  his  Indianians,  and  Lieute 
nant  Kingsbury,  had  built  a  very  good  fort  on  the  heights  of  Sal 
tillo,  and  in  it  Captain  Webster's  two  twenty-four-pound  howitzers, 
with  smaller  pieces,  were  placed,  and  commanded  every  building  in 
the  city  below,  as  well  as  the  whole  plain  from  mountain  to  moun 
tain,  east  and  west. 

"  On  the  8th  of  February,  the  whole  army  with  General  Taylor, 


MAJORS    BORLAND,    GAINES,    ETC.,    CAPTURED.      157 

except  four  companies  of  Illinois,  left  to  guard  the  town,  lay  in  camp 
at  Agua  Nueva,  and  here  our  generals  patiently  awaited  the  arrival 
of  new  levies,  which  they  hoped  would  make  their  forces  ten  thou 
sand  strong,  and  forty  days'  provisions,  to  enable  us  to  march  for 
Santa  Anna's  stronghold,  San  Luis  Potosi,  three  hundred  miles 
south  of  Saltillo.  General  Taylor  expected  to  be  ready  for  the 
march  on  the  1st  of  April.  But  for  a  long  time  the  signs  had  been 
thickening,  that  the  Mexican  dictator  was  aiming  a  blow  at  us,  the 
Voluntaries,  as  composed  of  more  conquerable  stuff  than  the  regu 
lars  under  Scott.  On  the  22d  of  January,  Majors  Borland  and 
Gaines,  Captain  C.  M.  Clay,  and  Lieutenant  Davidson,  with  eighty 
men,  were  at  Incarnacion,  sixty  miles  from  Saltillo,  on  the  San  Luis 
road,  scouting,  when  they  were  suddenly  surrounded  in  the  night  by 
three  thousand  lancers  under  General  Minon,  taken  prisoners  in  the 
morning,  and  marched  off  for  the  city  of  Mexico.  Soon  after  this, 
Captain  Eddy,  of  Kentucky,  with  seventeen  men  on  picket  guard, 
was  captured  in  the  same  manner  —  a  manner  little  creditable  to 
soldiers. 

"  Our  pickets  were  several  times  driven  in,  and  the  enemy's 
cavalry  frequently  hovered  around  us  on  the  south  and  east,  to  cut 
off  small  parties.  Many  of  the  citizens  suddenly  became  sullen  to 
wards  the  Americanos,  who  had  scattered  money  among  them  with 
so  lavish  a  hand.  Three  men  were  missing  out  of  the  Arkansas 
regiment,  one  of  whom  was  found  on  the  9th  ult.,  near  the  camp, 
dead,  with  a  lasso  around  his  neck,  and  presenting  a  horrid  specta 
cle.  For  this  act  of  an  unknown  criminal,  a  few  comrades  of  the 
deceased,  on  the  next  day,  took  a  frantic  and  senseless  revenge,  by 
shooting  down  in  cold  blood  about  thirty  unarmed  Mexicans,  who, 
with  their  families,  had  abandoned  the  ranch,  and  were  living  in  the 
mountains  under  cover  of  trees  and  bushes,  to  cut  wood,  as  they 
said,  for  sale  in  our  camp.  Some  Illinois  infantry  saved  the  greater 
part  of  these  poor  people  from  massacre.  Generals  Taylor  and  Wool 
were  greatly  enraged  at  the  act,  and  branded  it  in  general  orders  as 
a  cruel  and  cowardly  outrage.  Meanwhile  a  black  cloud  was  gather 
ing  up  from  San  Luis,  soon  to  burst  upon  our  heads  in  storm  and 
thunder.  On  the  20th  ult.,  Colonel  May,  Captain  Howard,  and 
Lieutenant  O'Brien,  with  a  scouting  party  at  Idionda,  twenty-five 
miles  south-east,  took  a  Mexican,  who  said  that  Santa  Anna  wa 
advancing  upon  us  from  Incarnacion.  They  came  into  camp  early 
14 


158  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JOHN    E.    WOOL. 

on  the  morning  of  the  21st,  with  this  intelligence,  which  many  things 
conspired  to  stamp  with  truth.  Having  breakfasted,  the  army  lei 
surely  retreated  to  Buena  Vista,  fourteen  miles,  and  there  took  posi 
tion.  All  the  infantry  except  Colonel  Hardin,  who  remained  in  the 
centre  of  our  line  at  the  pass  of  Buena  Vista,  encamped  at  the  ranch, 
whither  our  wagons,  which  had  returned  to  Agua  Nueva  for  the 
rest  of  our  provisions  in  camp,  came  back  in  the  night  with  hot 
haste.  Colonel  Yell,  by  order  of  General  Taylor,  had  remained 
there  until  near  night,  when  he  was  attacked  by  the  advanced  guard 
of  the  enemy.  Destroying  such  provisions  and  wagons  as  he  could 
not  carry  off,  he  retired  to  our  position.  On  the  next  day,  the  birth 
day  of  Washington,  in  the  morning,  Colonels  Bissell  and  McKee, 
with  their  respective  regiments,  and  General  Lane  with  his  brigade, 
marched  out  to  meet  the  enemy.  We  left  our  tents  standing,  and 
our  baggage  and  provisions,  which  were  in  the  ranch,  unguarded, 
except  by  teamsters,  and  one  man  more,  Major  Roman,  commissary. 
Our  force  on  the  field  varied  little  from  four  thousand  men.  That 
of  Santa  Anna  was  twenty-four  thousand,  as  all  concur  in  stating. 
The  mountains  on  each  side  of  our  position  stand  two  miles  apart, 
and  are  high  and  difficult  of  ascent.  Our  flanks  rested  upon  them. 
The  centre  occupied  the  road,  with  Washington's  battery  behind  a 
slight  breastwork  of  earth  ;  above,  a  little  on  the  left  and  in  advance 
of  which,  Colonel  Hardin  was  posted,  on  a  high  conical  hill,  behind 
a  low  breastwork  of  stone.  His  office  was  to  guard  this  battery  on 
the  road  below.  On  a  level  with  this  hill,  to  the  left,  was  an  elevated 
plain  or  table-land,  terminating  at  the  road  in  high  bluffs,  and  cut 
up  in  front  and  rear  of  our  line,  as  well  as  on  its  right,  by  very  deep, 
wide  ravines,  dry,  with  sloping  sides,  and  running  for  the  most  part 
at  right  angles  with  the  mountain,  and  parallel  with  our  line  of  bat 
tle.  Here  was  our  left  wing.  Our  right  was  posted  on  a  low  allu 
vion,  cut  up  in  nearly  all  directions  by  deep  precipitous  ravines,  now 
dry,  which  in  the  rainy  season  receive  and  convey  the  mountain 
torrents.  This  low  ground  was  commanded  as  far  as  the  mountain, 
and  could  be  swept  by  our  cannon  on  the  road.  Near  to  and  about 
parallel  with  the  mountain  on  the  right,  a  creek  with  high  and  per 
pendicular  banks  ran  to  the  north,  between  which  and  the  mountain 
the  Kentuckians  of  Colonel  McKee,  with  two  of  Bragg's  cannon, 
were  posted  on  the  22d,  and  remained  there  till  the  morning  of  the 


BATTLE   OF   BUENA   VISTA.  159 

23d,  when,  finding  nothing  to  do  on  the  right,  they  abandoned  this 
position  and  rushed  into  the  battle,  then  raging  on  our  left. 

"  It  became  evident  on  the  22d,  that  the  high  plain  was  to  be  the 
principal  field  of  battle.  Most  of  that  day  was  spent  by  Santa  Anna 
in  throwing  a  large  force  of  infantry,  under  General  Ampudia,  into 
the  mountain  to  our  left,  for  the  purpose  of  gaining  our  rear.  At 
four  o'clock  P.  M.  of  the  22d,  the  battle  began,  with  a  cannonade 
on  our  right  and  centre,  followed  soon  after  by  a  sharp  engagement 
in  the  mountain  to  our  left,  between  Kentucky  riflemen  from  Colonel 
Marshall's  mounted  regiment  and  the  flankers  of  Ampudia,  at  least 
three  thousand  strong.  The  mountain  sides  to  the  top  seemed  alive 
with  the  enemy,  whose  bright  English  muskets  glistened  in  the 
rays  of  the  setting  sun. 

"  Night  came,  and  all  was  still,  save  the  hum  of  voices  from  the 
two  opposing  armies,  bivouacked  within  musket-shot  of  each  other. 
Had  our  forces  been  a  little  larger,  that  night  would  have  seen  the 
destruction  of  Santa  Anna's  army.  But  our  only  safety  lay  in  an 
obstinate  defence  of  our  position.  Early  in  the  morning  of  the  23d 
the  ball  opened.  The  2d  of  Illinois,  Colonel  Bissell,  occupied  the 
right  of  the  plain,  his  right  resting  on  the  head  of  a. ravine,  and  well 
guarded  by  Bragg's  and  Sherman's  artillery.  On  his  left  were 
O'Brien's  three  pieces,  detached  from  Washington's  battery ;  and 
still  further  to  our  left,  next  to  the  mountain,  stood  the  2d  of  In 
diana,  Colonel  Bowles,  with  General  Lane  and  his  staff.  The  3d 
of  Indiana,  Colonel  Lane,  and  Colonel  Davis'  well-tried  Mississip- 
pians,  were  held  in  reserve.  Behind  our  line,  and  sheltered  by  a 
ravine  from  the  heavy  artillery  of  the  enemy,  (much  heavier  than 
ours,)  was  our  cavalry.  The  battle  to-day  was  opened  by  our  rifle 
men  in  the  mountains,  who  renewed  the  attack  which  they  com 
menced  the  evening  before.  To  their  assistance  was  soon  sent  the 
rifle  battalion  of  the  2d  Illinois,  three  companies  under  Major  Trail. 
Here  the  blows  of  our  men  were  soon  felt  by  the  enemy,  who  stood 
at  bay,  at  a  respectful  distance  from  their  rifles. 

"The  main  force  of  Santa  Anna  soon  advanced  against  us  on  the 
plain,  while  their  artillery  played  upon  our  ranks  on  the  left.  The 
infantry  came  on  in  admirable  order,  crossing  one  deep  ravine  after 
another  in  our  front,  and  deploying  out  of  them  into  line,  with  a  re 
gularity  that  excited  our  admiration,  and  must  have  struck  the  fancy 
of  our  two  regular  geneials.  Their  eight  columns  of  regiments,  ad- 


160  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JOHN    E.    WOOL. 

vancing  in  line,  looked  formidable  indeed.  As  the  enemy  rose  out 
of  the  first  ravine  in  our  front,  they  opened  their  fire  upon  us  of  the 
2d  Illinois,  which  we  received  some  time  without  returning,  and  ad 
vanced  a  short  way  in  it ;  hut  which,  when  we  did  return  it,  quickly 
slackened.  The  ranks  immediately  before  us  soon  staggered  under 
our  fire,  and  were  ripe  for  a  charge  of  bayonets  by  us,  when  the  2d 
Indiana,  on  our  left,  was  seen  in  base,  inglorious  flight.  General 
Lane,  and  his  aid,  Mr.  Robinson,  strove  in  vain  to  rally  them.  The 
general  had,  just  before  this  disgraceful  rout,  replied  to  an  officer 
who  suggested  a  retreat  — '  Retreat !  No ;  I  will  charge  them  with 
the  bayonet.'  Many  of  this  « flying  infantry'  ran  to  the  ranch,  many 
to  town,  and  some,  the  bearers  of  ill-tidings,  may  havejrun,  for  aught 
I  know,  to  the  United  States.  The  enemy  now  charged  O'Brien's 
guns,  of  which  they  took  one  ;  and  our  left  being  turned,  were  con 
centrating  their  fire  upon  our  single  regiment  with  destructive  effect. 
By  command  of  Colonel  Churchill,  Colonel  Bissell  ordered  his  ranks 
to  cease  firing  and  retreat  to  the  ravine  in  our  rear ;  which  order  was 
several  times  repeated  amidst  the  rattling  volleys  before  it  could  be 
heard  and  obeyed.  Rallying  out  of  the  ravine  to  the  right  behind 
the  artillery,  which  was  now  ploughing  through  the  advancing 
columns  of  the  enemy,  we  quickly  joined  the  Kentuckians  under 
Colonel  McKee,  and  with  them  drove  back  the  enemy's  left  with 
slaughter  into  the  ravines,  where  many  of  them  were  killed  and 
wounded.  But  on  our  left  the  enemy  were  victorious,  and  were 
fast  pushing  into  our  rear.  Their  flankers  in  the  mountains  rushed 
forward  to  surround  our  riflemen,  and  the  swarms  of  lancers  driving 
before  them  the  Arkansas  cavalry,  whom  Colonel  Yell  in  vain  called 
upon  and  adjured  to  follow  him  to  the  charge. 

"Our  brave  skirmishers  from  the  mountains  were  on  the  point 
of  being  exterminated,  when  Colonels  Yell  and  Marshall,  with  a 
few  companies  and  the  dragoons  of  Captain  Stern's  squadron, 
slightly  checked  the  career  of  the  lancers,  and  enabled  the  greater 
part  of  our  riflemen  to  retreat  to  the  ranch.  About  this  time,  Captain 
Stern  was  struck  with  a  grape-shot  and  compelled  to  retire.  The 
gallant  and  good  old  captain  was  greatly  missed  throughout  the 
day.  Here,  with  many  others,  fell  Lieutenant  Price  of  Illinois, 
seventy-two  years  old.  Captain  Conner,  of  the  rifles,  was  attacked 
by  three  lancers,  and  saved  himself  by  his  skill  with  the  sword. 

"  The  lancers  still  made  head  against  our  cavalry,  and  drove  them 


BATTLE   OF   BUENA    VISTA.  161 


to  Buena  Vista,  where  they  were  finally  repulsed,  after  charging 
and  dispersing  the  Arkansas  regiment,  with  the  loss  of  its  noble 
colonel.  May,  with  the  dragoons,  now  came  up,  and  with  our 
riflemen  and  two  pieces  of  artillery,  soon  drove  back  the  main  body 
of  the  lancers.  But  in  the  mean  time,  a  large  brigade  of  Mexican 
infantry  had  gained  our  rear,  and  a  large  force  of  lancers  had  gone 
by  our  left  to  attack  Saltillo,  in  conjunction  with  General  Minon  on 
the  north.  These  last  were  quickly  repelled  by  our  cannon  in  the 
front,  and  were  chased  a  considerable  distance  back,  by  infantry 
from  the  town  with  a  small  cannon.  The  Mississippi  infantry  now 
marched  to  attack  that  of  the  enemy  in  our  rear,  drawn  up  along 
the  base  of  the  mountain,  and  gave  them  battle  with  a  gallantry  and 
steadiness  worthy  of  veterans.  They  were  soon  joined  by  the  3d 
of  Indiana,  and  a  large  part  of  the  tarnished  2d,  who  had  rallied  and 
returned  to  the  conflict.  General  Lane  was  in  command  here, 
though  wounded  early  in  the  morning.  The  battle  was  bloody, 
obstinate,  and  long-continued.  Two  pieces  of  artillery,  with  our 
rallied  riflemen  under  Major  Wall,  came  up  to  the  left,  and  attacked 
the  right  of  the  Mexican  line  with  great  effect.  With  this  squad, 
for  a  short  time,  was  General  Wool,  cool  and  collected,  directing  the 
fire  of  the  artillery  and  men,  and  placing  them  in  the  best  positions. 
The  battle  on  the  plain,  meanwhile,  was  confined  to  artillery,  of 
which  the  enemy  had  planted  a  battery  on  our  left,  and  alongside 
of  which  was  the  main  body  of  the  infantry.  On  the  flanks  of  our 
artillery,  opposed  to  that  of  the  enemy,  were  Colonels  Hardin,  Bis- 
sell,  and  McKee,  ready  to  repel  an  expected  charge  of  the  Mexican 
infantry,  and*  in  full  view  of  the  splendid  contest  going  on  in  our 
rear.  Colonel  Hardin,  on  finding  that  all  tfie  attacks  by  lancers  on 
Washington's  battery  were  feints,  and  that  the  stream  of  battle  flow 
ed  only  on  our  side  of  the  field,  left  his  hill  and  came  with  a  portion 
of  his  regiment  to  the  plain.  With  us  was  young  Clay,  whose  firm- 
set  countenance  and  eye  of  fire,  called  up  in  memory  his  eloquent 
father  in  the  height  of  an  oratorical  triumph. 

"  At  length,  about  three  o'clock  P.  M.,  we  saw  the  Mexican  force 
in  our  rear  begin  to  falter  and  retrace  their  steps,  under  the  well- 
directed  shot  of  our  ranks  of  marksmen,  and  the  artillery  still  pour 
ing  its  iron  death-bolts  into  their  right.  Their  lancers,  who  had 
taken  refuge  behind  their  infantry,  and  there  watched  the  progress 
of  the  fight,  made  one  desperate  charge  to  turn  the  fortune  of  the 
14* 


162  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JOHN    E.  WOOL. 

day  by  breaking  the  line  of  Indiana  and  Mississippi.  But  the  cool, 
steady  volunteers,  sent  them  with  carnage  and  confusion  to  Santa 
Anna,  on  the  plain  above,  with  the  report  that  our  reserve  was  five 
thousand  strong,  and  filled  all  the  ravines  in  our  rear.  The  retreat 
of  their  infantry,  which  paused  for  a  moment,  was  now  hastened  by 
the  repulse  of  the  lancers,  but  still  under  a  galling  fire.  They  march 
ed  back  in  excellent  order.  While  making  their  toilsome  and  bloody 
way  back,  with  their  men  falling  at  every  step,  Santa  Anna  practised 
a  ruse,  to  which  any  French  or  English  officer  would  have  scorned 
to  resort.  He  exhibited  a  flag  of  truce,  and  sent  it  across  the  plain 
to  our  right,  where  stood  our  generals.  The  heralds  first  asked  what 
troops  we  were  ;  and  one  officer,  a  volunteer  too,  had  the  folly  to  say 
we  were  regulars,  *  troupos  de  ligne.1  They  then  asked  General 
Taylor  what  terms  he  had  to  propose.  '  I  demand  that  General 
Santa  Anna  surrender  himself  and  his  whole  army  prisoners  of  war ; 
I  will  release  them  on  parole' — was  his  reply.  In  the  morning  Santa 
Anna  had  summoned  Taylor  to  surrender,  representing  the  folly  of 
resistance  with  volunteers  against  his  overwhelming  force  of  regu 
lars.  The  old  hero  then  replied,  *  we  are  here,  come  and  get  us.' 
The  tables  were  now  turning.  The  bearers  of  the  flag  asked  what 
time  they  could  have  to  consider  these  terms — '  An  hour  ?'  *  Not 
half  that  time,'  exclaimed  our  second  in  command,  who  may  be 
called  Old  Ready  as  well  as  our  first ;  *  not  half  that  time.'  « Take 
thirty  minutes,'  said  our  chief.  The  flag  returned  to  the  Mexican 
army,  accompanied  by  General  Wool.  By  this  time  the  detachment 
in  our  rear,  to  save  which  the  flag  was  exhibited,  had  nearly  gained 
the  plain,  still,  however,  under  the  fire  of  General  Lane,  who  did 
not  intermit  for  a  moment  his  terrible  blows  upon  the  retreating 
enemy.  At  length  they  joined  the  main  army.  The  cannonade  had 
recommenced  on  the  side  of  the  enemy  against  us,  with  the  return 
of  the  flag,  and  was  quickly  answered  by  our  '  mortal  engines.' 
Soon  afterwards  their  whole  army  commenced  an  orderly  retreat 
along  the  base  of  the  mountains.  Now  came  a  disastrous  movement. 
Colonel  Hardin  called  his  men  to  a  charge  on  the  retiring  enemy. 
Colonels  McKee  and  Bissell,  under  the  influence  of  his  example, 
and  willing  to  share  his  fate,  seconded  the  movement,  and  marched 
with  their  men  against  ten  times  our  numbers.  Our  batteries  took  a 
nearer  position  and  continued  their  fire.  O'Brien,  with  his  two  re 
maining  guns  on  our  left,  accompanied  us  to  the  middle  of  the  plain, 


BATTLE   OF   BUENA   VISTA.  163 

where  he  opened  on  the  enemy.  We  continued  to  advance,  when 
the  Mexicans,  wheeling  into  line,  poured  upon  us,  not  yet  formed 
into  line,  a  fire  such  as  no  ranks  ever  withstood.  At  the  same  time 
their  lancers,  in  immense  squadrons,  attacked  our  right,  while  their 
whole  line  of  infantry  advanced  upon  us  in  rapid,  regular  march. 

"Their  discipline  is  wonderfully  perfect.  Had  they  been  less 
eager  to  kill  and  plunder  our  wounded,  and  had  their  officers  known 
the  value  of  minutes,  and  how  to  improve  them,  the  day  had  been 
lost  to  us  in  blood  and  horror ;  for  they  gave  no  quarter.  Lieutenant 
Robbins  surrendered,  and  was  stabbed  dead  with  his  own  sword. 
The  same  fate  befell  Lieutenant  Leanhart  in  the  morning,  and  many 
others  during  the  day.  We  retreated  fighting  to  the  head  of  a  ravine 
far  to  right  of  our  batteries,  and  in  advance  of  our  line  in  the  morn 
ing.  O'Brien's  batteries  and  most  of  his  gunners  were  gone.  We 
made  a  short  stand  at  the  head  of  this  ravine,  where  McKee,  Hardin, 
and  Clay  fell,  and  then  ran  a  gauntlet  through  it,  of  three-quarters 
of  a  mile,  in  the  midst  of  shot  from  both  sides,  to  the  road  where 
Washington's  battery  stopped  the  pursuit,  and  saved  many.  I,  with 
a  few  others,  went  down  a  shorter  ravine,  leading  into  the  road 
nearer  the  battery,  and  climbing  Hardin's  hill,  we  were  soon  greeted 
with  the  appearance  of  Colonel  Bissell,  safe  and  unhurt.  Mean  time, 
General  Lane,  with  Colonels  Davis  and  Lane,  and  the  Monterey 
heroes  of  Mississippi,  the  gallant  Indianians,  and  the  Illinois  pioneers 
under  their  sergeant  McFarland,  rose  upon  the  plain,  from  their 
victory  in  the  rear,  and  in  full  view  of  our  rout,  with  their  scathing 
volleys  called  off  the  vultures  from  the  massacre  and  plunder  of  the 
fallen.  Following  these  up,  with  the  American  yell,  so  terrifying 
to  Mexican  hearts,  they  quickly  put  their  discipline  to  a  severe  proof 
to  save  their  own  army  from  a  total  rout.  They  formed,  however, 
rapidly,  and  renewed  the  battle,  when  General  Lane  fell  off  to  our 
left  to  protect  our  artillery,  whose  thunders,  above  all  other  sounds, 
incessantly  and  without  pause,  continued  to  drown  the  groans  of  the 
wounded,  and  to  chant  the  requiem  of  the  dead,  carrying  death  upon 
their  bolts  through  the  solid  ranks  of  Santa  Anna. 

"  As  soon  as  I  had  found  a  breathing  place,  the  shrill  voice  of 
General  Wool  was  heard,  calling  in  trumpet  tones, « Illinois,  Illinois, 
to  the  rescue ;  out,  my  brave  boys,  out  and  defend  our  batteries.' 
So  complete  had  been  our  rout,  and  the  dispersion  of  the  2d  of  Illi 
nois,  which,  with  six  companies,  had  in  the  morning  kept  her  iron 


164  BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN    E.   WOOL. 

ranks  against  the  whole  Mexican  line,  that  now  only  four  men  of 
the  regiment  were  within  hearing  of  this  appeal,  who  answered  it 
by  rallying  instantly,  with  a  few  Kentuckians  and  Illinoians  of  the 
1st,  to  repel,  with  General  Lane,  a  threatened  charge.  These  four 
men  were,  private  Harman  Busch,  corporal  Charles  Gooding,  a  lieu 
tenant,  and  Colonel  Bissell.  I  mention  the  last  with  greater  plea 
sure,  because  he  is  a  true  man,  a  good  officer,  a  native  of  your  state, 
and  my  colonel.  Our  force  augmented  swiftly  with  the  rallying 
fugitives  ;  but  Santa  Anna  judged  it  prudent  not  to  make  this  charge, 
and  thus  to  save  a  part  of  his  army  for  other  fields.  Had  he  made 
it,  I  cannot  bring  myself  to  doubt  as  to  the  result,  when  I  consider 
the  exasperated  mind  of  every  survivor  among  us,  inflamed  to  the 
highest  and  bitterest  resentment  for  the  wanton  murders  of  the 
wounded  and  vanquished,  committed  under  our  eyes  throughout 
the  day.  We  had  now  determined  to  conquer  or  to  die. 

"  Santa  Anna  resumed  his  retreat.  Still  under  the  fire  of  our 
artillery,  and  in  good  order,  he  recrossed  the  ravines,  out  of  which 
he  had  marched  upon  us  in  the  morning.  His  bivouack  was  a  little 
in  advance  of  our  position  till  about  midnight,  when  he  retired  to 
Agua  Nueva,  and  thence,  on  the  26th  ult.,  marched  for  San  Luis 
Potosi.  He  admitted  his  loss  to  have  been  four  thousand  killed, 
wounded  and  missing,  of  whom,  certainly,  not  half  were  deserters. 
We  exchanged  his  prisoners  for  C.  M.  Clay  and  the  others  taken 
in  January,  whom  he  promised  to  send  to  Vera  Cruz.  Our  killed 
and  wounded  were  seven  hundred.  The  despatches  have  already 
informed  you  who  they  are.  The  letter  is  now  so  long  that  I  must 
close  with  a  brief  notice  of  a  few  of  the  dead,  reserving  the  most 
recent  events  for  another  epistle. 

"  Captain  Lincoln,  so  distinguished  at  Palo  Alto  and  Resaca  de  la 
Palma,  was  shot  through  the  head  early  in  the  day,  while  rallying 
us,  and  fell  from  his  horse,  near  me,  into  the  arms  of  Captain  Raith. 
He  was  a  gallant  New  Englander,  and  stood  high  in  the  esteem  of 
all.  He  was  adjutant  to  General  Wool. 

"  Colonel  Hardin  was  slain  by  lancers,  near  where,  and  soon  after 
McKee  and  Clay  were  shot.  He  was  an  excellent  officer,  a  good 
lawyer,  and  a  man  of  talent.  His  character  and  fate  bear  a  strong 
similitude  to  that  of  Colonel  Davies,  who  fell  at  Tippecanoe. 

*«  Colonel  McKee,  whom  I  did  not  know,  is  much  regretted  in 


BATTLE   OF   BUENA   VISTA.  165 

the  army,  and  his  character  spoken  of,  universally,  in  the  most  ex 
alted  terms. 

"  It  was  never  my  fortune  to  know  a  more  kind-hearted,  chivalric 
and  accomplished  gentleman,  than  Colonel  Yell  of  Arkansas.  He 
fell  with  Captain  Porter,  in  a  hand-to-hand  conflict  with  lancers,  but 
feebly  supported  by  his  regiment.  None  knew  him  but  to  love  him ; 
none  named  him  but  to  praise. 

"  Lieutenant  William  Price,  of  our  Illinois  rifle  battalion,  was 
slain  by  lancers  while  retreating  from  the  mountains,  after  our  left 
was  turned  in  the  morning.  The  frost  of  seventy-two  winters  had 
silvered  his  hairs,  and  he  had  left  a  home  of  affluence  and  ease, 
with  the  expressed  wish  to  die  in  the  service  of  his  country,  and  if 
need  be,  on  the  field  of  battle.  'They  cannot  cheat  me  out  of 
many  years,'  said  he.  When  ordered  with  the  battalion,  like  a  for 
lorn  hope,  to  the  trying  contest  in  the  mountains,  he  exclaimed  with 
a  look  of  joy,  as  he  drew  his  sword,  *  Now  boys,  this  looks  like 
doing  something.'  The  enemy  triumphed  over  his  fall,  supposing 
him  to  be  General  Wool ;  and  some  prisoners  taken  soon  after  said 
that  General  Taylor  alone  was  left  to  save  us.  They  judged  erro 
neously  of  us  from  themselves,  and  would  have  found  us  an  army 
still,  though  deprived  of  our  three  generals. 

"Lieutenant-Colonel  Henry  Clay,  jr.,  was  much  lamented.  His 
manners,  voice,  and  features  reminded  the  observer  strongly  of  his 
father.  You  saw  the  suavity,  ease,  and  dignity  of  his  carriage  and 
deportment  in  them  both.  The  statesman  of  Kentucky  will  sav 
with  old  Siward : 

" '  My  son  has  paid  a  soldier's  debt, 
In  the  unshrinking  station  where  he  fought. 
Had  I  as  many  sons  as  I  have  heirs, 
I  wou]d  not  wish  them  a  fairer  death: 
And  so  his  knell  is  knolled.' 

"  In  the  same  part  of  the  field,  and  about  the  same  time  with  Clay, 
McKee,  and  Hardin,  another  fell,  pierced  by  a  lance,  whose  name 
is  worthy  of  a  place  in  the  rolls  of  fame — Private  Alexander  Konze, 
of  company  H.,  2d  regiment  of  Illinois.  The  writer  was  honoured 
with  his  friendship,  and  had  an  opportunity  of  knowing  him  well, 
being  a  member  of  the  same  company  and  his  tent-mate.  His  con 
duct  on  the  field  was  most  soldierly,  cool,  calm,  deliberate,  and 
prompt  in  obeying  orders.  His  courage  was  conspicuous,  even  in 


166  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JOHN    E.    WOOL. 

the  moment  of  his  death,  when  he  refused  to  surrender.  Except  a 
brother  in  South  America,  he  left  no  relatives  on  this  continent.  His 
widowed  mother  lives  in  Bueckeburg,  in  Hanover,  near  to  his  native 
city — Hamburg.  He  received  a  splendid  education  at  the  universi 
ties  of  Jena  and  Goettingen.  He  had  been  but  a  year  in  the  United 
States  when  he  joined  our  regiment  in  Alton,  whither  he  had  come 
to  volunteer,  from  Wisconsin.  His  motives  in  taking  this  step  were 
that  he  might  serve  the  country,  whose  constitution  he  respected 
before  all  other  systems  of  government,  and  gratify  his  curiosity  in 
a  new  mode  of  life,  by  seeing  Mexico,  and  observing  as  he  did  with 
a  philosophic  eye,  the  character  of  her  people  and  institutions.  The 
writer  promised  much  pleasure  to  himself  in  travelling  with  him 
through  this  country.  He  was  twenty-seven  years  of  age,  and  pro 
bably  the  most  learned  man  in  the  army.  His  knowledge  of  philo 
logy  was  accurate  and  profound.  Such  was  his  familiarity  with  the 
Latin,  that  by  one  day's  examination  of  a  Spanish  grammar,  he  was 
able  to  read  this  cognate  language  with  facility.  Many  pleasant 
hours  have  we  spent  together  in  rambling  over  the  plains  and 
mountains  of  Mexico,  while  he  filled  his  haversack  with  new  plants 
to  send  to  Germany,  and  which  his  knowledge  of  botany  often  en 
abled  him  to  class  in  their  several  genera  and  species. 

"  A  better  or  a  braver  heart  than  his  never  beat  its  last  on  a  field 
of  battle.  While  awaiting  upon  the  field,  on  the  night  of  the  23d 
of  February,  the  renewal  of  the  attack  by  Santa  Anna,  the  thought 
was  most  consolatory  to  several  of  his  comrades,  that  death  on  the 
next  day,  might  make  them  companions  of  Miltiades,  of  Socrates, 
and  of  Konze.  This  man  died  for  a  country  of  which  he  was  not 
a  citizen ;  shall  it  be  said  that  he,  the  republican  son  of  Germany, 
was  not  a  true  American  ?  May  his  example  animate  the  hearts 
of  those  whom  alone  he  would  acknowledge  as  countrymen — the 
good  and  the  true  of  every  clime  and  country." 

General  Taylor  did  not  forget  to  accord  due  credit  to  the  con 
duct  of  General  Wool.  In  his  first  hasty  despatch  to  the  depart 
ment,  he  mentions  him  alone.  These  are  his  words : — "  I  may  be 
permitted  here,  however,  to  acknowledge  my  great  obligations  to 
General  Wool,  the  second  in  command,  to  whom  I  feel  particularly 
indebted  for  his  valuable  services  on  this  occasion."  In  his  enlarged 
report  is  the  following  testimonial : — 

"To  Brigadier-General  Wool  my  obligations  are  especially  due. 


POPULAR  APPROBATION  OF  WOOL.       167 

The  high  state  of  discipline  and  instructions  of  several  of  the  volun 
teer  regiments  was  attained  under  his  command,  and  to  his  vigilance 
and  arduous  service  before  the  action,  and  his  gallantry  and  activity 
on  the  field,  a  large  share  of  our  success  may  justly  be  attributed. 
During  most  of  the  engagement  he  was  in  immediate  command  of 
the  troops  thrown  back  on  our  left  flank.  I  beg  leave  to  recommend 
him  to  the  favourable  notice  of  the  government." 

In  addition  to  this  high  recommendation,  we  annex  a  preamble 
and  resolutions,  passed  at  a  mass  meeting  of  the  citizens  of  Troy,  on 
the  10th  of  April,  1847. 

"Whereas,  The  Common  Council  of  the  city  of  Troy  have  (in 
common  with  their  fellow-citizens,)  had  the  great  gratification  of 
hearing,  from  all  quarters,  of  the  courage  and  gallant  bearing  of  our 
townsman,  Brigadier-General  John  E.  Wool,  during  the  hard-fought 
and  nobly-won  field  of  Buena  Vista : 

"  Therefore,  Resolved,  That  General  Wool  has  fully  justified  the 
high  opinion  always  entertained  among  us,  of  his  character  as  an 
accomplished  soldier ;  and  his  courage  and  conduct  at  Buena  Vista 
amply  fulfil  the  bright  promise  of  his  first  feat  of  arms  at  Queens- 
town. 

"  Resolved,  That  feeling  a  just  pride  in  his  renown,  and  desiring 
to  testify  our  high  regard  for  both  the  citizen  and  soldier,  we,  in  the 
name  of  the  city  of  Troy,  present  to  him  a  sword,  as  a  testimonial 
of  the  place  he  occupies  in  the  esteem  of  those  who  have  known 
him  so  long  and  so  well ;  and  as  a  memorial,  (though  not  a  reward,) 
of  the  distinguished  services  he  has  rendered  to  his  country.  " 

"  Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  four  persons  be  appointed  by 
the  mayor — two  from  the  common  council,  and  two  from  the  citi 
zens  generally,  to  carry  into  effect  the  foregoing  resolution." 

The  sword,  made  in  accordance  with  a  design  from  Brown,  the 
sculptor,  is  thus  described : — 

"  It  is  a  Roman  sword.  The  mountings — hilt  and  scabbard — are 
of  gold.  The  blade  is  two-edged,  broad  and  straight,  about  two 
feet  four  inches  long.  The  hilt  is  surmounted  with  a  Roman  helmet. 
On  its  sides  are  figures  of  Hercules  and  Mars.  The  wings  of  the 
American  eagle  are  outspread  beneath  the  guard,  and  on  the  guard 
is  the  following  appropriate  inscription  : 

'"Presented  by  the  Common  Council  and  Citizens  of  Troy,  N.  Y., 

H 


168  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JOHN    E.   WOOL. 

to  their  townsman,  Brigadier-General  John  E.  Wool,  as  a  token  of 
their  personal  esteem,  and  of  their  high  appreciation  of  his  gal 
lantry  and  military  ability,  as  displayed  on  the  bloody  field  of 
Buena  Vista,  on  the  22d  and  23d  days  of  February,  1847.' 

"  The  scabbard  is  richly  engraved  with  numerous  battle  scenes, 
arms,  and  banners,  and  other  suitable  devices,  and  bears  the  follow 
ing  inscription : 

"  *  QUEENSTOWN,  Oct.  13,  1812.  PLATTSBURG,  Sept.  11,  1814. 
BUENA  VISTA,  Feb.  22  and  23,  1847.'  " 

The  following  letter  and  accompanying  remarks  will  be  pleasing 
to  every  friend  of  General  Wool.  While  it  accords  due  justice  to 
him,  it  also  shows  that  his  skill  is  as  great  in  selecting  an  advanta 
geous  battle-ground,  as  in  defending  it  when  the  enemy  are  upon 
him. 

*«  So  many  persons  have  claimed  the  credit  of  saving  the  day  at 
Buena  Vista,  and  some  in  a  most  extraordinary  manner,  and  so 
many  claimants  have  appeared  for  praise  for  the  honour  of  selecting 
the  ground  upon  which  the  glorious  battle  of  Buena  Vista  was 
fought,  that  it  may  not  be  improper,  even  at  this  late  period,  to 
'  render  unto  Caesar  the  things  that  are  Caesar's.'  As  General  Wool, 
in  my  opinion,  is  entitled  to  the  credit  of  having  selected  the  spot, 
the  following  letter,  which  incontestably  establishes  that  fact,  may 
not  prove  uninteresting.  It  is  from  the  pen  of  Captain  Carleton,  of  the 
United  States  Dragoons,  a  very  gallant  officer,  and  one  whose  pen 
has  often  enriched  the  columns  of  the  New  York  Spirit  of  the 
Times  in  times  past,  and  is  addressed  to  General  Wool." 

Now  follows  the  letter  of  Captain  Carleton,  dated  Buena  Vista, 
July  27th,  1847  :— 

"  By  reference  to  my  journal  of  the  marches,  &c.,  of  General 
Wool's  column,  I  find  that  on  the  21st  of  December,  1846,  you 
arrived  in  the  valley  of  Encantada  with  your  whole  force,  consist 
ing  of  cavalry,  artillery,  and  infantry,  with  their  complete  trains, 
and  encamped  at  Agua  Nueva,  situated  at  its  southern  termination. 
That  point  is  twenty  miles  in  advance  of  Saltillo,  which  city  was 
then  occupied  by  General  Worth,  to  whose  assistance  you  had 
marched  from  Parras,  a  distance  of  one  hundred  and  fifteen  miles, 
in  less  than  three  days.  At  that  time  the  command  of  General 
Worth  was  only  a  brigade,  and  he  had  sent  by  express  a  request  to 
you  at  Parras,  to  join  him  with  your  column  as  soon  as  possible,  to 


SELECTION  OF  BATTLE-GROUND.        169 

assist  in  repelling  an  attack  then  daily  expected  from  the  enemy,  in 
force  under  General  Santa  Anna. 

"  About  the  same  time,  General  Butler  arrived  at  Saltillo  from 
Monterey.  On  the  evening  of  the  22d  of  December,  you  left  your 
camp  at  Agua  Nueva  to  visit  both  himself  and  General  Worth  ;  it 
being  reported  that  they  were  confined  to  their  beds  in  consequence 
of  the  wounds  they  had  previously  received.  You  were  accompa 
nied  by  Captains  Lee,  Hughes,  and  Chapman,  United  States  Army, 
by  your  aid,  Lieutenant  McDowell,  and  by  myself,  then  on  duty  as 
one  of  your  aids-de-camp.  It  was  quite  dark  when  you  left  Agua 
Nueva,  and  when  you  arrived  at  that  part  of  the  pass  of  Buena 
Vista  known  as  La  Angostura,  a  heavy  fog,  accompanied  by  rain, 
had  set  in,  rendering  it  so  much  more  so  that  it  was  with  the  utmost 
difficulty  the  road  could  be  kept.  Indeed  the  officers  who  were 
with  you  were  frequently  obliged  to  dismount  and  seek  for  it  on 
either  hand.  It  was  past  11  o'clock  at  night  when  you  and  your 
party  reached  Saltillo.  The  next  day,  when  your  interview  with 
Generals  Butler  and  Worth  was  concluded,  you  started  on  your  re 
turn  to  your  camp  at  Agua  Nueva,  accompanied  only  by  myself, 
all  the  other  officers  who  had  gone  to  Saltillo  with  you  being  still 
detained  there  by  official  business.  When  you  had  proceeded  as 
far  as  Angostura,  one  mile  in  advance  of  the  hacienda  of  San  Juan 
de  la  Buena  Vista,  you  halted,  and,  after  having  glanced  over  the 
ground  on  each  side,  you  said  to  me :  lMr.  Carleton,  this  is  the 
very  spot  of  all  others  1  have  yet  seen  in  Mexico  which  I  should 
select  for  battle,  were  I  obliged  with  a  small  army  to  fight  a  large 
one.'' 

"  You  then  pointed  out  to  me  what  you  conceived  were  the  great 
military  advantages  it  possessed;  and  said  that  the  net-work  of 
deeply-worn  channels  on  the  right  would  completely  protect  that 
flank ;  that  the  heights  on  your  left  would  command  the  road,  while 
the  ravines  in  front  of  them,  and  which  extend  back  to  the  moun 
tain  on  that  side,  would  cripple  the  movements  of  the  enemy  should 
he  attempt  to  turn  that  flank.  You  continued  conversing  with  me 
on  this  subject  until,  as  you  may  recollect,  we  met  Lieutenant 
McCown,  4th  artillery,  a  mile  or  more  further  on.  So  forcibly  was 
I  impressed  with  your  choice,  and  all  you  had  said  in  favour  of  it, 
that,  immediately  after  my  arrival  at  Agua  Nueva,  I  described  the 
place  to  some  of  the  officers  of  your  staff,  (I  think  to  Inspector- 
15 


170  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JOHN    E.   WOOL. 

General  Churchill  and  his  assistant,  Captain  Drum,  United  States 
Army,)  at  the  time  saying  that  you  had  selected  it  for  a  battle-ground, 
and  repeating  all  you  had  stated  in  relation  to  it. 

"  It  may  not  be  improper  likewise  to  add,  that  on  the  26th  of  De 
cember  General  Butler  visited  you  at  Agua  Nueva ;  and  that  on  the 
27th,  before  he  returned  to  Saltillo,  he  gave  you  an  order  to  move 
with  your  troops  and  select  in  the  neighbourhood  of  La  Encantada 
or  further  down  the  stream  towards  Saltillo,  a  suitable  place,  and 
there  encamp.  As  this  order  was  entirely  discretionary  as  to  the 
precise  locality  for  your  proposed  camp,  you  chose  the  plain  between 
La  Angostura  and  the  hacienda  before  alluded  to  as  the  best,  be 
cause  it  was  not  only  less  exposed  to  the  bleak  winds  which  contin 
ually  swept  through  the  pass  at  La  Encantada,  and  which  at  that 
season  of  the  year  would  cause  the  troops  much  suffering,  as  we 
were  all  in  tents  and  fuel  very  scarce,  but  offered  the  additional 
advantage  of  an  abundant  supply  of  pure  water,  and  besides 
was  just  in  rear  of  what  you  had  selected  as  the  strong  point  of 
defence. 

"  That  evening  (the  28th)  General  Butler  sent  you  an  order  to 
return  to  La  Encantada  and  encamp  there.  You  wrote  a  note  to 
him,  requesting,  for  reasons  which  you  assigned,  that  he  would 
permit  you  to  remain  where  you  were,  and  sent  it  by  Colonel  Har- 
din.  Captain  Drum  and  myself  accompanied  Colonel  Hardin,  and 
were  present  at  the  interview  between  General  Butler  and  himself. 
During  the  conversation  that  ensued  after  your  note  had  been  deli 
vered,  Colonel  Hardin,  among  other  reasons  which  he  gave  why  he 
hoped  your  request  might  be  complied  with,  urged  the  fact  that  you 
were  near  a  point  which  you  believed  you  could  maintain  in  case 
the  enemy  advanced  upon  you  from  the  direction  of  San  Luis  Po- 
tosi.  General  Butler  said  he  would  not  revoke  his  order,  and  re 
marked  that  if  the  Mexican  army  came  he  had  already  chosen  a 
ground  for  battle,  and  even  gone  so  far  as  to  fix  the  points  to  be 
occupied  by  the  several  corps.  That  ground  was  the  broad  plain 
immediately  in  front  of  Saltillo,  and  I  think  he  also  said  he  had 
already  prepared  roads  for  the  artillery,  leading  from  the  city  up  on 
to  it.  I  have  mentioned  all  these  circumstances  to  show  with  what 
anxiety  and  exertion  you  endeavoured  to  be  permitted  to  occupy  a 
point  within  striking  distance  of  the  one  you  had  selected  as  the  best 
for  battle.  On  the  30th  of  December  your  whole  command  was 


ESTABLISHES    HIS    HEAD-QUARTERS.  171 

obliged  to  retrace  its  steps  to  La  Encantada,  which  it  did  with  evi 
dent  reluctance,  as  all  the  officers  agreed  entirely  with  you  in  opinion 
as  to  the  disadvantages  arising  from  such  a  change  of  position. 

"  Previous  to  the  time  when  you  first  went  to  Saltillo,  (the  22d,) 
not  one  of  your  officers  had  ever  gone  through  the  pass  of  Buena 
Vista.  All  those  who  went  with  you  on  that  occasion  were  pre 
vented,  as  I  have  shown,  by  the  extreme  darkness  even  from  seeing 
the  great  road  on  which  they  sought  to  travel,  and  could  not  there 
fore  have  had  at  that  time  a  favourable  opportunity  for  making 
military  reconnoissances.  You  returned  from  the  city  and  had 
pointed  out  the  position  to  me,  as  I  have  stated,  before  they  repassed 
over  it.  The  choice  and  partialities  of  the  officers  in  Saltillo,  it  is 
fair  to  presume,  for  many  reasons,  were  coincident  with  those  ex 
pressed  by  General  Butler.  When  General  Taylor  came  up  from 
Monterey,  he  saw  at  a  glance  that  your  views  were  correct ;  and, 
although  he  moved  the  whole  army  forward  to  Agua  Nueva,  as 
there  he  could  have  an  extensive  plain  for  the  drill  and  discipline 
of  the  troops,  with  wood  and  water  convenient,  and  besides,  by  doing 
so,  could  take  the  initiatory  step  in  one  of  the  most  beautiful  pieces 
of  strategy  of  modern  times,  still,  when,  by  the  advance  of  Santa 
Anna,  the  moment  had  ripened  to  gain  the  grand  results  by  feigning 
a  precipitate  retreat,  that  retreat  was  but  a  rapid  movement  back  to 
the  identical  spot  you  had  chosen,  and  on  to  which  the  Mexican 
army  was  hurriedly  drawn  with  all  its  fatigue  and  disarray  conse 
quent  upon  a  forced  march  of  upwards  of  forty  miles ;  and  where, 
on  the  22d  and  23d  of  February,  1847,  was  fought  the  battle  of 
Buena  Vista.  The  result  of  that  conflict  afforded  conclusive  evi 
dence  of  the  correctness  of  your  first  remark ;  for  there  four  thousand 
six  hundred  and  ten  Americans  contended  successfully  against  up 
wards  of  twenty  thousand  Mexicans.  This  letter,  general,  is  but  a 
dry  detail  of  facts,  but  I  hope  they  are  set  forth  with  sufficient  clear 
ness  to  prevent  their  being  misunderstood." 

Immediately  after  the  battle,  General  Wool  established  his  head 
quarters  at  Buena  Vista.  In  the  month  of  May  following,  he,  on  the 
occasion  of  taking  leave  of  the  1st  and  2d  Illinois  regiments,  whose 
term  of  service  (one"  year)  had  nearly  expired,  issued  the  following 
orders,  dated  Buena  Vista,  May  28th,  1847. 

"  The  term  of  service  for  which  the  1st  and  2d  Illinois  regiments 
have  engaged  has  nearly  expired,  and  they  are  about  to  return  to 


172  BRIGADIER-QENERAL   JOHN    E.    WOOL. 

their  homes.  The  general  commanding  takes  this  occasion  to  ex 
press  his  deep  regret  at  the  departure  of  those  who  have  been  so 
long  under  his  immediate  command,  and  who  have  served,  and 
served  so  well,  their  country.  Few  can  boast  of  longer  marches, 
greater  hardships,  and  none  of  greater  gallantry  in  the  field  of  Buena 
Vista.  It  was  there  that  the  general  witnessed  with  infinite  satis 
faction  their  valour,  which  gave  an  additional  lustre  to  our  arms,  and 
increased  glory  to  our  country.  To  their  steadiness  and  firmness, 
in  connection  with  the  2d  Kentucky  Foot,  in  resisting  the  Mexicans 
at  a  critical  moment,  and  where  there  were  five  to  one  against 
them  —  and,  as  General  Santa  Anna  said,  '  when  blood  flowed  in 
torrents,  and  the  field  of  battle  was  strewed  with  the  dead,' — we  may 
justly  ascribe  a  large  share  of  the  glorious  victory  over  more  than 
twenty  thousand  men. 

"A  great  victory,  it  is  true,  but  attained  at  too  great  a  sacrifice ; 
Hardin,  Zabriskie,  Woodward,  McKee,  Yell,  Clay,  and  many  others 
fell  leading  their  men  to  the  charge.  Their  names  and  gallant  deeds 
will  ever  be  remembered  by  a  grateful  people. 

"  In  taking  leave  of  these  regiments,  the  general  cannot  omit  to 
express  his  admiration  of  the  conduct  and  gallant  bearing  of  all,  and 
especially  of  Colonels  Bissell  and  Weatherford,  and  their  officers, 
who  have,  on  all  occasions,  done  honour  to  themselves,  and  heroic 
ally  sustained  the  cause  of  their  country  on  the  field  of  Buena  Vista. 

"The  wishes  of  the  general  will  attend  them  to  their  homes, 
where  they  will  be  received  with  joy  and  gladness  as  the  pride  of 
their  families  and  their  state." 

On  the  23d  of  June,  the  following  reply  was  made  by  the  officers 
of  these  regiments : 

"  Brigadier-General  Wool, — The  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  1st 
regiment  of  Illinois  volunteers,  on  the  eve  of  leaving  Mexico  for  their 
homes,  would  do  violence  to  their  own  feelings  did  they  not  tender 
to  their  immediate  commanding  general  a  testimonial  of  their  regard. 

"  Upon  entering  the  service  a  year  since,  they  were  not  prepared 
to  appreciate  the  importance  of  discipline  and  drill,- and  consequently 
complained  of  them  as  onerous  and  unnecessary.  Complaints  were 
loud  and  many.  Their  judgment  convinced,  their  feelings  have 
undergone  a  change,  and  they  now  thank  you  for  your  untiring  ex 
ertions  to  make  them  useful  to  their  country  and  a  credit  to  their 
state. 


CORRESPONDENCE   WITH   HIS   OFFICERS.  173 

"  Whatever,  sir,  of  service  we  may  have  done  our  common  coun 
try,  or  whatever  honour  we  may  have  done  the  state  of  Illinois,  to 
General  John  E.  Wool  is  due  the  credit.  You,  sir,  brought  your 
column  into  the  field,  well  provided  for,  and  well  disciplined,  and 
fought  them  well  when  you  got  them  there ;  and  should  our  country 
ever  again  need  our  services  in  the  field,  it  would  be  our  proudest 
wish  to  again  meet  the  enemy  under  the  immediate  command  of 
one  in  whose  energy,  watchfulness  and  courage  we,  and  the  whole 
army,  have  the  most  unlimited  confidence. 

"  With  the  best  wishes  for  your  future  fame  and  happiness,  on 
the  part  of  the  regiment,  we  beg  leave  to  subscribe  ourselves  your 
friends." 

This  paper  was  signed  by  W.  Weatherford,  colonel  of  the  1st 
Illinois  volunteer  regiment,  by  W.  B.  Waring,  lieutenant-colonel, 
and  forty  company  and  staff  officers. 

From  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista,  up  to  the  last  accounts  from 
General  Wool's  command,  we  find  thaF  he  has  been  stationed  at 
Buena  Vista,  awaiting  reinforcements  to  enable  him  and  General 
Taylor  to  make  a  movement  in  the  direction  of  San  Luis  Potosi, 
passing  through  and  taking  possession  of  Encarnacion  on  the  route. 

-!.    &!   iiteii  ;    -.•"•'  '     . 


15* 


MAJOR  RINGGOLD. 


MAJOR  SAMUEL  RINGGOLD  was  the  eldest  son  of  General  Samuel 
Ringgold,  formerly  United  States'  senator  from  Maryland.  His 
mother  was  daughter  of  General  John  'Cadwalader,  endeared  to  the 
citizens  of  Philadelphia  for  his  patriotic  services  in  the  revolution. 
The  major  was  born  in  the  year  1800,  at  Front  Park,  near  Hagers- 
town,  Washington  county,  Maryland.  In  1814,  he  entered  the 
military  academy  at  We$  Point,  and  after  remaining  there  four 
years,  and  performing  its  laborious  requirements  with  promptness 
and  success,  he  graduated  [1818]  with  distinction,  at  the  head  of 
his  class.  But  not  satisfied  with  his  proficiency  in  military  matters, 
he  determined  to  visit  the  various  professional  schools  of  Europe, 
so  that  nothing  of  a  theoretical  nature  might  be  wanting  to  com 
plete  his  education.  He  entered  the  Polytechnique,  and  afterwards 
the  military  institution  at  Woolwich,  perfecting  himself  in  the 
science  of  artillery.  Returning  to  his  country,  he  laid  before  go 
vernment  the  result  of  his  arduous  researches,  pressing  the  import 
ance  of  an  efficient  organization  of  artillery  to  complete  our  military 
establishment.  Although  neglected  by  the  department,  and  dis 
countenanced  by  the  public,  yet  such  was  his  untiring  perseverance, 
that  he  was  at  length  partially  successful,  and  saw  added  to  the 
national  army  a  branch  of  flying  artillery,  which,  during  the  whole 
of  our  war  with  Mexico,  has  proven  the  bulwark  of  success. 

Ringgold  first  entered  the  army  as  lieutenant,  and  being  recom 
mended  by  General  Scott,  he  was  received  as  aid-de-camp  into  that 
officer's  staff.  After  improving  rapidly  in  this  capacity,  he  com 
menced  service,  as  brevet  lieutenant  of  the  1st  regiment.  In  July 
1822,  he  was  promoted  as  first  lieutenant ;  in  which  capacity  he  oc 
cupied  Fort  Moultrie,  South  Carolina,  until  the  settlement  of  the 
nullification  difficulties  in  1833.  Next  year  he  received  the  brevet 

(174) 


MAJOR   RINGGOLD. 
H* 


SERVICES  IN  FLORIDA.  175 

rank  of  captain,  dating  from  May  8th,  1832.  The  full  rank  of 
captain,  with  command  of  a  company  in  the  3d  artillery,  was  given 
to  him  in  1836. 

But  his  most  arduous  service  was  experienced  in  Florida.  Natu 
rally  rather  delicate  in  health,  the  diseases  of  that  swampy  country, 
the  dreadful  toils  encountered  in  advancing  through  forests,  lakes, 
and  marshes,  and  the  other  hardships  of  the  Seminole  campaigns, 
preyed  upon  his  constitution,  and  sowed  the  seeds  of  permanent 
decay. 

After  the  disbandment  of  his  company  in  1838,  the  captain  went 
to  Carlisle,  Pennsylvania,  with  instructions  to  organize  and  equip  a 
company  of  light  artillery,  to  be  composed  of  men  dropped  from  the 
rolls  of  the  first  and  second  artillery.  He  was  soon  afterwards  bre- 
vetted  major,  for  his  meritorious  services  in  Florida.  In  this  capa 
city  he  remained,  perfecting  his  favourite  branch  of  service,  until  the 
opening  of  our  war  with  Mexico. 

Major  Ringgold  was  with  the  "  Corps  of  Observation,"  from  the 
time  of  its  organization  at  Corpus  Christi,  until  the  battle  of  Palo 
Alto.  That  engagement  was  commenced  on  the  part  of  the  Ameri 
cans  by  Lieutenant  Churchill,  with  two  eighteen-pounders.  Ring- 
gold  stationed  himself  in  advance  of  the  eighteen-pounders,  and,  at 
the  distance  of  seven  hundred  yards  from  the  enemy,  opened  his 
fire  with  terrible  effect.  When  the  march  was  resumed  on  the  fol 
lowing  morning,  the  direction  of  his  fire  could  be  traced  by  the 
mangled  heaps  which  it  had  left  in  its  course.  Major  Ringgold 
personally  attended  his  guns,  and  was  so  accurate  in  his  manage 
ment  of  them,  so  sure  of  his  aim,  as  frequently  to  point  them  at 
particular  individuals.  Thus  for  a  while  was  the  battle  conducted, 
— the  artillery  alone  employed.  The  American  infantry,  drawn  up 
as  a  support,  stood  watching  with  intense  feeling  the  ravages  of  this 
terrible  weapon,  bursting  forth  into  loud  cheers  at  every  discharge. 

While  the  battle  was  thus  raging,  the  Mexican  lancers  moved 
down  toward  the  wagon  train,  in  consequence  of  which  Lieutenant 
Ridgely  was  detached  with  two  pieces  to  protect  it.  Notwithstand 
ing  this  diminution  of  numbers,  Ringgold  still  maintained  the  battle 
against  fearful  odds,  and  held  the  enemy  at  bay  for  three  hours. 
He  then  received  the  wound  which  caused  his  death.  It  was  oc 
casioned  by  a  six-pound  cannon  shot,  which  struck  the  middle  of  his 
right  thigh,  passed  through  it,  and  through  the  shoulders  of  his 


176  MAJOR   RINGGOLD. 

horse,  and  came  out  through  the  left  thigh.  Men  and  officers  came 
to  his  assistance,  but  he  waved  them  away,  exclaiming,  "  Don't  stay 
with  me  ;  you  have  work  to  do  —  go  ahead." 

He  was  immediately  carried  from  the  field  under  the  direction  of 
Dr.  Byrne,  who  dressed  his  wounds.  Although  nearly  all  the  an 
terior  muscles  were  torn  from  each  thigh,  yet  no  bones  were  broken 
nor  any  important  artery  divided.  His  pain  was  trifling,  and  up  to 
the  time  of  his  death,  he  conversed  cheerfully  with  his  attendants 
upon  the  incidents  of  the  battle.  He  steadily  grew  worse,  however, 
until  one  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  10th,  when  he  expired. 
His  burial  took  place  on  the  following  day. 

Major  Ringgold  was  formed  by  nature  to  be  popular.  No  man 
possessed  more  the  affection  and  obedience  of  the  soldiers,  and  no 
one  was  ever  more  sincerely  lamented.  Even  those  who  had 
known  him  only  for  a  few  months,  partook  of  the  general  sorrow ; 
and  when  it  was  announced  throughout  the  United  States  that 
Ringgold  had  fallen,  the  shout  of  victory  was  dashed  with  a  wail  of 
sympathy.  In  his  native  state  especially  was  this  feeling  mani 
fested.  At  the  Monument  Square  a  meeting  convened  to  hear  the 
details  of  the  struggles  of  the  8th  and  9th.  Colonel  Davis  was  one 
of  the  speakers ;  and  when  he  announced  that  Ringgold  had  been 
killed,  a  deep  silence  settled  over  the  dense  mass,  and  every  head 
was  uncovered.  The  Baltimore  county  court  adjourned  on  learn 
ing  the  melancholy  event.  On  that  occasion  the  honourable  Judge 
Le  Grande  made  the  following  remarks : 

"  In  the  motion  of  the  attorney-general  the  court  recognises  a  be 
coming  appreciation  of  the  sad  feeling  which  the  announcement  of 
the  death  of  our  brave  townsman  has  inspired  in  the  bosoms  of  our 
entire  community.  It  is  fitting  that  the  court  and  indeed  every 
branch  of  the  government  should  exhibit  the  sincerest  evidences  of 
the  affliction  which  all  have  sustained  in  the  death  of  one  who  sur 
rendered  his  life  in  the  defence  of  his  country.  Custom  has  pro 
scribed,  amongst  its  usual  cold  ceremonials,  the  expression  of  grief 
at  the  final  departure  of  any  distinguished  citizen ;  but  when  the 
resolute  and  noble  defender  of  the  honour  of  the  country  and  the 
integrity  of  its  soil  is  swallowed  up  in  the  jaws  of  death,  whilst  in 
the  act  of  adding  by  his  daring  intrepidity  another  brilliant  page  to 
its  history,  the  patriotic  heart  properly  demands,  and  will  have  the 
tribute  which  the  just  and  the  grateful  ever  promptly  pay  to  the 


REGRETS  FOR  HIS  DEATH.  177 

gallant  dead.  To  us  all  this  is  evident  by  the  gloom  which  is  every 
where  in  our  city  ;  and  which  the  enunciation  of  a  succession  of  the 
glorious  victories  of  our  arms  cannot  dispel.  The  court  therefore 
can  have  no  difficulty  in  concurring  in  the  motion,  responsive  as  is 
that  concurrence  to  the  feelings  of  the  community  and  of  its  own. 
Major  Ringgold  was  a  citizen  of  Baltimore,  known  to  us  all,  to  some 
of  us  intimately,  and  by  whomsoever  and  wheresoever  known,  recog 
nised  as  a  gentlemen  of  the  highest  sense  of  honour,  and  of  the  kind 
liest  feelings  of  which  humanity  is  susceptible.  He  is  gone,  but 
the  fame  his  late  brilliant  conduct  won  will  henceforth  constitute  a 
part  of  the  pride  and  history  of  his  country." 

Other  public  and  political  bodies  manifested  similar  tokens  of  re 
gret.  On  the  26th  of  May  the  flags  of  all  vessels  and  public  build 
ings  were  half-masted,  and  hung  with  crape.  More  recently,  mea 
sures  have  been  adopted  to  transport  his  remains  from  Texas  to 
Baltimore.  According  to  the  arrangements  for  this  interesting 
ceremony,  the  relics  "  will  be  kept  in  the  Rotunda  for  a  few  days, 
with  a  military  guard  of  honour  constantly  present,  to  enable  compa 
nies  in  distant  portions  of  the  state  to  gratify  the  wishes  they  have 
expressed,  to  participate  in  the  ceremonies  [of  burial] ;  and  the 
time  fixed  for  the  funeral  will  be  communicated  to  all  companies 
not  located  in  Baltimore,  upon  their  expressing  such  a  wish  by  letter 
addressed  to  the  Eagle  Artillery  Company,  who  are  charged  with 
all  the  details- of  the  funeral." 

The  press  was  not  wanting  in  its  contribution  of  esteem.  "  The 
major,"  says  a  Baltimore  editor,  "  was  an  accomplished  gentleman, 
beloved  by  his  friends,  respected  by  all.  He  was  devoted  to  his 
profession,  and  justly  appreciated  the  high  responsibilities  of  an 
officer  in  command.  He  rigidly  enforced  discipline  at  all  times  and 
in  all  things ;  and  yet,  probably,  no  officer  had  more  entirely  the 
respect,  the  confidence,  and  the  affectionate  regard  of  all  his  officers 
and  men." 

"  The  death  of  this  accomplished  officer,"  says  the  Philadelphia 
North  American,  "  is  a  heavy  loss  to  the  country.  He  had  been 
instructed  with  a  revision  of  a  system  of  tactics  for  our  army,  and 
devoted  much  time  and  study  to  improving  upon  the  English  and 
French  systems.  His  corps  was  as  fine  a  one  as  any  service  could 
boast.  He  leaves  unfinished,  we  think,  a  work  which  he  was  pre 
paring  on  the  utility  and  practicability  of  the  flying  artillery  arm  in 


178  MAJOR   RINGGOLD. 

service.  Major  Ringgold's  constitution  was  much  impaired  by  his 
long  campaign  in  Florida ;  but  passionately  attached  to  the  profes 
sion  of  arms,  he  still  remained  in  the  army,  and  died  a  martyr  to  his 
country. 

«'  His  death  has  stricken  thousands  of  hearts  that  gush  under  the 
blow  with  feelings  which  no  ordinary  public  calamity  could  have 
excited.  He  was  generally  known  and  appreciated  in  this  city  as 
the  Bayard  of  the  age  —  the  star  of  the  war ;  and  his  career  was 
watched  with  anxious  eyes  and  hearts.  That  it  would  be  glorious 
no  one  doubted ;  but  who  thought  that  an  orb  so  bright  would  sink 
so  early  ?  The  soul  of  chivalry  and  honour,  accomplished  as  a  sol 
dier,  lofty  as  a  patriot,  beloved  as  a  man,  it  demands  an  agonizing 
struggle  to  reconcile  us  to  such  a  sacrifice.  And  yet  it  is  a  noble 
one.  In  the  flash  of  his  fame  he  has  died  as  he  lived  —  for  his 
country.  The  offering  was  doubtless  a  glad  one.  He  desired  no 
better  fate  than  such  a  death ;  he  could  leave  no  richer  inheritance 
than  such  an  example.  While  we  feel  as  if  destiny  had  robbed  the 
future  of  the  fame  which  such  a  nature  must  have  won,  we  dare 
not  repine  that  his  career  has  been  closed  in  its  morning  with  this 
sunburst  of  glory.  His  memory  will  be  gratefully  cherished  so  long 
as  honour  has  a  victory,  freedom  a  hero,  or  his  country  a  name." 


CAPTAIN  WALKER. 


CAPTAIN  WALKER. 


SAMUEL  HAMILTON  WALKER  was  born  about  the  year  1815,  in 
Prince  George  county,  Maryland.  His  brothers  and  other  relatives 
now  reside  in  Washington  city.  During  the  Seminole  Indian  war 
he  enlisted  in  the  United  States'  service  as  a  private,  and  was  one 
of  Colonel  Harney's  picked  men  to  penetrate  the  everglades  of 
Florida,  where  foot-prints  of  the  white  man  were  never  before  seen. 
In  that  hazardous  expedition,  which  effectually  put  an  end  to  the 
Florida  war,  by  conquering  the  Indians  around  their  own  council 
fires,  young  Walker  greatly  distinguished  himself.  He  was  a 
favourite  of  the  daring  Harney,  whose  quick  perception  never  failed 
to  select  the  most  energetic  and  bold. 

At  the  close  of  the  Seminole  war,  Walker  went  to  Texas  and 
joined  Colonel  Hays'  company  of  rangers.  In  the  summer  of  1844 
he  was  one  of  the  fifteen  of  Hays'  men,  armed  with  revolving  pis 
tols,  who  attacked  eighty  Camanche  Indians,  and  defeated  them, 
leaving  thirty-three  dead  Indians  upon  the  field  ;  and,  from  the  num 
ber  of  dead  and  dying  carried  off,  it  was  believed  that  more  than 
half  of  the  Camanche  force  was  slain  by  these  fifteen  rangers.  In 
this  fierce  battle  Walker  was  pierced  through  the  body  by  the  spear 
of  an  Indian,  the  spear  pinning  him  to  the  ground  !  He  was  left 
in  that  condition  by  his  companions,  who  supposed  he  was  dead. 
After  the  battle,  he  was  found  with  the  spear  still  sticking  through 
him,  though  he  had  succeeded  in  getting  it  out  of  the  ground.  His 
companions  relieved  him  from  it,  and  found  it  had  not  touched  a 
vital  part.  He  recovered. 

Walker  was  also  one  of  Colonel  Fisher's  three  hundred  men  who 
marched  against  two  thousand  Mexicans  stationed  at  Mier,  and  was 
captured  by  the  Mexicans  previous  to  that  battle,  as  he  was  making 
an  excursion  among  them.  After  the  defeat  of  the  Mier  expedition,  he 

(179) 


180  CAPTAIN    WALKER. 

was  marched,  with  other  prisoners,  to  the  castle  of  Perote.  These 
prisoners  received  the  inhuman  treatment  which  no  other  people  on 
earth,  save  Mexicans  and  cannibals,  inflict  upon  those  within  their 
power.  At  Salado,  the  Texans  resolved  to  make  their  escape. 
Walker  was  foremost.  It  was  arranged  that  he  should  seize  and 
disarm  one  of  the  guard,  and  that  Cameron,  a  Scotchman,  should 
serve  the  other  in  the  same  way.  At  the  signal,  the  guards  were 
disarmed  in  a  moment,  and  the  Texans,  two  hundred  and  fourteen 
in  number,  rushed  into  the  outer  court,  where  one  hundred  and  fifty 
Mexican  infantry  were  guarding  a  quantity  of  arms  and  ammuni 
tion.  The  Texans  soon  had  command  of  this  point,  and  armed 
themselves.  Whilst  doing  so,  three  hundred  Mexicans,  cavalry  and 
infantry,  formed  outside  of  the  gates.  The  Texans  rushed  upon 
these,  and  defeated  them,  killing  ten  of  their  number,  and  losing 
five.  The  company  then  escaped,  but  finally  became  lost  in  the 
mountains,  and  suffered  greatly  from  hunger.  As  Walker  expressed 
it  to  a  friend,  after  his  return,  their  eyes  became  so  sunken,  from 
hunger  and  fatigue,  that  they  appeared  like  augur-holes  in  the  head. 

In  this  condition  they  were  re-captured  by  the  Mexicans  and 
taken  back  to  Salado.  Here  the  blood-thirsty  Santa  Anna  demanded 
the  life  of  every  tenth  man,  and  the  company  was  marched  out  to 
draw  the  black  beans  —  one  black  bean  for  every  tenth  man  being 
placed  in  the  bowl,  and  all  who  drew  them  were  shot.  Young  Torrey 
was  one  of  these  unfortunates,  and  was  killed  on  the  spot.  Those 
who  drew  the  white  beans  were  subjected  to  intense  sufferings. 
Walker,  with  eight  others,  however,  finally  escaped  from  Mexico, 
and  returned  to  Texas.  He  then  joined  the  Texas  revenue  service, 
where  he  exhibited  his  usual  efficiency. 

When  General  Taylor  marched  into  Texas  with  his  army  of  ob 
servation,  and  matters  were  wearing  a  hostile  appearance,  Walker, 
at  the  head  of  a  company  of  Texas  rangers,  armed  with  Colt's 
patent  repeaters,  offered  his  services  to  the  United  States,  was  ac 
cepted,  and  aided  in  defending  Point  Isabel.  He  was  stationed  be 
tween  that  place  and  General  Taylor's  advance  camp,  with  instruc 
tions  to  keep  the  communication  open,  if  possible.  This  service 
was  perilous :  but  Walker's  bravery  and  rapid  movements  over 
came  all  obstacles.  On  the  38th  of  April,  1846,  he  ascertained  that 
quite  a  large  body  of  Mexicans  intended  to  surround  General  Tay 
lor's  camp,  and  he  at  once  set  out  with  seventy-five  men,  to  comma- 


HIS   DARING   JOURNEYS.  181 

nicate  with  the  general.  After  proceeding  twelve  miles,  he  encoun 
tered  fifteen  hundred  Mexicans,  and  most  of  his  men  being  inex 
perienced,  fell  back  at  the  appearance  of  such  an  overwhelming 
opposition.  The  few  that  remained  around  their  bold  commander 
firmly  received  the  attack  of  the  Mexicans,  and  gave  them  battle 
for  about  fifteen  minutes,  killing  about  thirty  of  them.  They  then 
retreated,  and  were  pursued  to  within  half  a  mile  of  Point  Isabel. 
It  was  reported  that  Walker  was  slain,  but  at  night  he  came  into 
the  fort,  and  with  that  indomitable  spirit  for  which  he  was  distin 
guished,  at  once  offered  to  communicate  with  General  Taylor,  pro 
vided  he  could  have  four  men  as  companions.  This  proposition, 
under  such  circumstances,  with  the  enemy  in  force,  and  lurking  in 
every  path  and  thicket,  was  considered  rash.  But  six  Texans 
volunteered,  and  after  several  bold  adventures,  in  one  of  which  they 
charged  through  a  large  body  of  Mexican  lancers,  whilst  they  were 
preparing  to  forage  their  horses,  they  reached  the  camp  of  General 
Taylor  in  safety  on  the  30th. 

In  consequence  of  the  information  thus  received,  General  Taylor 
marched  from  camp  on  the  1st  of  May,  and  reached  Point  Isabel  the 
day  after.  On  the  3d,  the  Mexicans  commenced  their  bombardment 
of  the  river  fort.  Anxious  to  know  how  Major  Brown  sustained 
this  attack,  the  general  despatched  Captain  May,  with  one  hundred 
men,  assisted  by  Walker  and  six  rangers,  for  the  purpose  of  open 
ing  a  communication.  At  two  o'clock,  P.  M.  of  the  3d,  May  started, 
and  in  the  evening  came  in  sight  of  Arista's  camp  fires.  Though  the 
whole  Mexican  army  was  before  him,  he  manoeuvred  so  skilfully  as 
to  escape  observation,  pass  round  its  front,  and  find  ambush  in  some 
thick  chapparal  a  few  miles  from  the  fort.  Walker  was  then  sent 
forward  to  the  fort,  with  instruction  to  note  particularly  any  force  he 
might  observe  along  the  road.  He  reached  his  destination  without 
accident,  while  May  and  his  troops  remained  waiting  in  their  sad 
dles.  Owing  to  several  unforeseen  causes,  Captain  Walker  was  un 
able  to  rejoin  May  that  night,  and  daylight  approaching,  the  latter 
returned  to  Point  Isabel.  Here  the  keenest  anxiety  was  felt  for  the 
gallant  ranger,  as  it  seemed  almost  certain  that  he  had  been  inter 
cepted  by  the  enemy.  On  the  night  of  the  4th,  however,  to  the 
great  joy  of  the  whole  army,  he  reached  General  Taylor's  station 
in  safety,  having  performed  in  the  face  of  a  hostile  army  one  of  the 
most  daring  journeys  on  record. 
16 


182  CAPTAIN    WALKER. 

Walker  and  his  little  band  performed  arduous  and  trying  duty  in 
the  battles  of  the  8th  and  9th  of  May.  He  was  by  turns  in  every 
part  of  the  field,  and  followed  May  in  the  headlong  charge  upon  the 
batteries  at  Resaca  de  la  Palma.  The  best  evidence  of  his  efficiency 
is  given  by  General  Taylor  himself.  "  I  would  mention  the  ser 
vices  of  Captain  Walker,  of  the  Texas  rangers,  who  was  in  both 
affairs,  with  his  company,  and  who  has  performed  very  meritorious 
services  as  a  spy  and  partisan."  It  is  rarely  that  a  young  man  of 
so  short  a  term  of  service  is  mentioned  in  so  flattering  a  manner. 

Without  solicitation,  government  rewarded  his  services  and  sig 
nal  bravery  by  a  captain's  commission  in  the  new  regiment  of 
United  States'  mounted  rifles.  Thus  promoted,  he  repaired  to  Mary 
land,  and  soon  rallied  around  him,  principally  from  Maryland  and 
Kentucky,  two  hundred  and  fifty  volunteer  rangers,  whose  services 
were  accepted  by  the  government.  With  this  company  he  went  to 
Vera  Cruz,  and  was  employed  to  keep  the  guerillas  at  bay,  and 
open  communication.  The  bold  feats  of  himself  and  his  confident 
followers  struck  terror  into  the  prowling  guerillas,  and  this  class  of 
highway  robbers,  always  well  armed  and  well  mounted,  were  sure 
to  leave  a  clear  path  when  "  Walker  and  his  rangers"  were  on  the 
track. 

One  of  the  most  brilliant  actions  of  Captain  Walker  was  his  battle 
at  the  pass  of  La  Hoya  on  the  20th  of  September,  1847.  A  full 
description  of  it  is  given  in  his  official  report  to  Colonel  Wynkoop, 
dated  from  the  castle  of  Perote. 

"  When  ordered  forward  by  you  at  3  o'clock,  on  the  morning  of 
the  20th,  I  understood  from  you  that  you  had  an  advance  picket 
about  two  hundred  yards.  In  this  I  was  disappointed ;  I  had  not 
advanced  more  than  one  hundred  yards  before  I  was  hailed  by  the 
enemy,  who  appeared  about  forty  in  number.  I  could  not  return  or 
delay  a  moment  to  reconnoitre,  as  I  intended,  without  subjecting 
my  command  and  yours  also  to  a  raking  fire ;  and  I  immediately 
ordered  the  charge. 

"  The  enemy  were  completely  routed,  and  fired  in  such  confusion 
and  haste  that  no  man  was  wounded ;  but,  unfortunately,  we  found 
a  curve  in  the  road,  which  we  supposed  to  be  straight,  and  a  num 
ber  of  us  were  unhorsed  by  the  falling  of  our  horses  over  a  fence, 
which  was  not  seen  until  we  were  upon  it.  In  this  affair  I  lost 
seven  public  horses,  which  probably  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 


ACTION   AT   LA    HOYA.  183 

enemy,  one  of  them  badly  wounded,  so  as  to  render  him  valueless. 
I  also  lost  my  private  horse.  Richardson  (musician),  and  Raborg 
(interpreter),  were  slightly  injured  by  the  fall  of  their  horses.  On 
the  same  day,  about  9  o'clock,  A.  M.,  after  leaving  you  for  the  pur 
pose  of  watering  my  horses,  I  resolved  to  drive  off  the  party  of 
lancers  who  had  appeared  on  the  hill  on  our  right  early  in  the  morn 
ing.  I  dismounted  one-half  of  the  men,  and  threw  them  out  on  my 
right  and  left.  Several  of  their  stragglers  were  killed,  and  the 
balance  made  a  rapid  retreat  before  we  approached  near  enough  to 
engage  them.  I  then  returned  to  the  village  of  Las  Vegas,  having 
also  taken  two  prisoners,  whom  I  released,  both  being  elderly  men. 

"At  about  11  o'clock,  A.  M.,  while  advancing  upon  La  Hoya, 
with  your  permission  to  feel  the  enemy  and  ascertain  their  position, 
and  so  forth,  I  heard  the  firing  of  artillery  at  the  Pass.  I  dismounted 
some  of  my  men  and  threw  them  out  on  each  side  of  the  road  to 
avoid  an  ambuscade.  When  about  two  miles  from  the  Pass,  we 
saw  about  fifty  of  the  enemy  on  our  left.  I  sent  forward  a  few  men 
on  foot,  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  on  an  engagement.  It  soon 
became  apparent  that  the  enemy  had  either  a  very  considerable 
force,  or  that  they  had  feared  the  consequence  of  allowing  us  the 
opportunity  of  attacking  them  in  the  rear,  and  they  had  almost  en 
tirely  withdrawn  from  the  Pass.  In  a  very  few  minutes  after  the 
first  shot  was  fired,  my  skirmishers  were  pressed  by  such  over 
whelming  numbers,  as  to  force  them  to  retire  within  distance  of 
support,  and  to  give  them  a  more  defensible  position. 

"I  then  ordered  my  horses  all  to  be  tied  under  cover  of  an  old 
frame  house.  I  then  put  my  men  under  cover  of  a  stone  fence,  and 
extended  them  sufficiently  to  the  left  to  prevent  the  enemy  from 
flanking,  being  emboldened  by  their  success,  in  driving  in  our  skir 
mishers.  They  rushed  towards  us  in  considerable  numbers,  confi 
dent  of  victory,  with  shouts  of  triumph,  which  were  returned  by 
shouts  of  defiance  from  my  men.  The  moment  was  most  critical — 
many  of  my  men  had  never  been  under  fire  of  an  enemy  before, 
and  nothing  but  my  confidence  in  their  heroic  valour  and  coolness 
would  have  induced  me  to  remain  in  my  position. 

"  At  this  moment  I  ordered  my  men  to  take  their  sabres  from  the 
fronts  of  their  saddles,  (which  were  secured  in  that  way  for  the  pur 
pose  of  more  secret  movements  by  night,)  and  prepare  to  use  them 
when  it  came  to  close  quarters.  The  coolness  and  gallantry  of  my 


184  CAPTAIN    WALKER. 

men,  and  the  deadly  crack  of  their  rifles,  soon  convinced  them  that 
it  was  better  to  retire.  There  could  not  have  been  less  than  three 
hundred  Mexicans  in  the  engagement,  besides  about  three  hundred 
more  who  were  close  by  to  support  them,  and  might  very  properly 
be  included  in  the  number  of  the  attacking  party.  I  suppose  their 
loss  in  this  affair,  as  nearly  as  I  could  judge,  was  at  least  forty  killed 
and  wounded.  My  whole  number  of  men  was  fifty-one,  which  in 
cludes  several  who  were  injured  by  the  fall  of  their  horses  in  the 
charge  the  night  previous. 

"The  action  was  warmly  contested,  and  lasted  about  thirty 
minutes.  I  had  one  horse  killed,  and  one  man,  private  Huguenin, 
who  volunteered  his  services — belonging  to  company  E,  rifle  regi 
ment,  having  been  left  sick  in  hospital  —  slightJy  wounded.  My 
officers  and  men  behaved  with  great  gallantry,  and  such  daring 
bravery,  that  it  was  with  reluctance  that  many  of  them  seemed  to 
obey  my  orders  to  take  cover  behind  the  rocks,  from  the  shower  of 
oullets  which  for  some  time  filled  the  air  above  their  heads. 

"  Where  all  behaved  so  nobly,  it  is  difficult  to  make  distinctions, 
Among  the  many,  however,  who  have  gained  my  esteem  for  their 
good  conduct,  I  cannot  omit  to  mention  the  names  of  Sergeant 
Thomas  Sloan,  of  England ;  Edward  Harris,  of  Virginia ;  both  of 
whom  were  wounded  in  former  engagements ;  also  Sergeant  Henry 
Haugh,  of  Maryland  ;  Corporal  Thomas  Gosling,  of  Maryland,  who 
was  also  wounded  at  Cerro  Gordo,  is  entitled  to  the  distinction  of 
being  called  the  bravest  of  the  brave  ;  also,  Corporals  Jos.  E.  Mer- 
riken,  of  Maryland,  Samuel  Hescock,  of  Maine,  and  Besson  Con 
stant,  of  France;  also,  privates  Thomas  H.  Tilghman,  of  Mary 
land,  Jas.  M.  De  Baupe,  of  Maryland,  Isaac  P.  Darlington,  of 
Maryland,  Thaddeus  S.  Bell,  of  Virginia,  William  Glanding,  of 
Maryland,  Francis  G.  F.  Waltemeyer,  of  Maryland,  and  also 
Richard  M.  Bradford,  of  Baltimore,  Maryland,  who  was  always 
among  the  foremost,  and  the  last  to  retire  from  pursuit  of  the  enemy. 

"All  of  these  I  recommend  to  the  favourable  consideration  of  the 
commander-in-chief  of  the  American  forces  and  to  the  war  depart 
ment,  and  request  that  they  may  be  rewarded  for  their  gallantry. 
Many  of  them  are  gentlemen  of  education,  and  worthy  of  commis 
sions  in  the  service  of  the  United  States,  and  I  cannot  too  strongly 
recommend  them  for  promotion  to  higher  stations.  And  I  must 
also  take  occasion  to  regret  that  sickness  should  have  prevented  so 


BATTLE   OF   HUAMANTLA.  185 

many  of  my  most  gallant  spirits  from  participating  with  me  in  this 
affair. 

"  I  must  not  omit  to  mention  that  Lieutenant  Charles  L.  Denman 
— who  was  by  my  side,  and  behaved  gallantly  in  the  charges,  was 
in  the  engagement  and  behaved  well,  and  continued  in  pursuit  of 
the  enemy  to  the  last  point  —  deserves  much  credit  for  his  perse 
verance,  energy  and  bravery.  Although  on  the  sick  report,  and 
suffering  severely  for  some  weeks  past,  he  would  not  remain  behind. 
Lieutenant  Thomas  Claiborne  took  a  rifle,  and  used  it  with  consi 
derable  effect  upon  the  enemy. 

"  Surgeon  John  T.  Lamar,  of  Georgia,  also  deserves  my  thanks 
for  volunteering  his  professional  services,  and  remaining  with  us 
during  the  pursuit.  I  must  also  mention  Lieutenant  A.  H.  Goff, 
of  the  1st  Pennsylvania  volunteers,  who  was  with  us,  and  took  the 
news  of  our  engagement  to  you." 

The  following  description  of  the  battle  of  Huamantla,  in  which 
Captain  Walker  was  killed,  will  be  read  with  the  greatest  interest. 
It  is  fuller  and  more  circumstantial  than  any  which  has  yet  ap 
peared. 

"  On  the  evening  of  October  8,  the  train  halted  at  a  hacienda  two 
and  a  half  leagues  from  Nopaluca.  General  Lane  sent  out  a  spy 
to  the  town  of  Huamantla  that  night,  having  received  information 
that  General  Santa  Anna  had  gone  thither  during  the  day  before. 
The  next  morning  he  returned,  and  reported  that  the  cavalry  of  the- 
enemy  had  left  the  town,  leaving  behind  six  pieces  of  artillery. 
Orders  were  immediately  issued  for  the  cavalry  under  Captain 
Walker,  Colonel  Gorman's  regiment,  Major  Lally's  battalion,  Colo 
nel  Wynkoop's  regiment,  Captain  Taylor's  battery,  and  Captain 
Heitzelman's  battalion  to  be  in  readiness  to  march  for  the  town, 
leaving  the  train  with  about  eleven  hundred  men  and  two  pieces  of 
artillery,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Brough. 

"At  eleven  o'clock  the  whole  moved  off  in  fine  style.  The  cavalry 
were  ordered  to  keep  some  distance  in  the  advance.  We  had  gone 
about  two  miles  when  Captain  Walker  determined  to  push  on  at  a 
gallop  and  surprise  the  enemy.  For  five  miles  the  cavalry  moved 
at  a  very  rapid  pace  until  we  reached  the  outskirts  of  the  town,  when 
Captain  Walker  gave  orders  to  form  fours  and  close  up.  He  then 
entered  a  very  narrow  lane,  both  sides  of  which  were  lined  with 
thick  maguey,  so  narrow  in  many  places  that  the  sets  of  fours  had 
16* 


186  CAPTAIN   WALKER. 

to  be  broken,  and  the  column  moved  by  twos.  On  we  went  at  a 
trot,  until  the  lane  opened  into  the  main  street  leading  to  the  plaza, 
when,  in  column  of  four,  the  order  was  given  to  draw  sabres  and 
charge.  Then  rose  a  wild  yell,  and  such  a  charge  !  The  flashing 
of  the  sabres,  the  thundering  of  the  horses'  feet  over  the  paved 
streets,  were  enough  to  strike  terror  into  the  hearts  of  the  enemy. 
Two  of  their  cannon  were  pointed  up  the  street,  another  pointed 
down  a  cross  street,  and  the  fuse  was  burning  in  it.  The  terrified 
artillerymen  moved  merely  to  the  sides  of  the  houses,  at  whom  our 
men  made  their  thrusts  and  right  and  left  cuts,  killing  many  in  this 
manner.  The  cavalry  rushed  over  their  cannon ;  the  lancers  (how 
many  we  did  not  know,  but  supposed  there  were  three  or  four  hun 
dred,)  fled,  and  our  men  separated  into  small  parties,  pursuing  them 
beyond  the  town,  on  the  outskirts  of  which  a  good  many  were  killed. 
Captain  Walker  went  beyond  the  town  for  the  purpose  of  overtaking 
the  artillery  which  had  left  the  place.  Captain  Lewis  went  in  an 
other  direction  for  the  same  purpose.  Captain  Besancon  was  ordered 
to  follow  the  road  to  see  if  the  artillery  could  be  overtaken.  In  the 
mean  time,  most  of  our  men  having  gone  in  pursuit,  Captain  Loyall 
with  a  few  men,  assisted  by  Adjutant  Claiborne,  secured  some  fifty 
or  sixty  prisoners  at  their  quarters,  together  with  their  arms,  &c. 
Lieutenant  Claiborne  then  proceeded  to  secure  and  bring  up  to  the 
plaza  the  cannon  (three  pieces,)  we  had  captured.  Captain  Walker 
returned  about  this  time,  and  going  to  the  plaza  was  collecting  our 
men.  Lieutenant  Anderson,  of  the  Georgia  volunteers,  pursued 
and  captured  Major  Iturbide  and  Colonel  La  Vega,  (a  brother  of  the 
general's,)  and  a  lieutenant ;  these  he  delivered  to  Captain  Walker. 
Lieutenant  Claiborne,  assisted  by  Corporal  Hescock  and  private 
Mfyers,and  one  or  two  others,  limbered  up  the  six-pounder  and  brought 
it  to  the  plaza ;  leaving  it  limbered  up  and  the  mules  standing  in  it, 
and  returning  to  get  the  four-pounder,  the  lieutenant  was  in  the  act 
of  bringing  it  up,  when  he  was  forced  to  leave  it  by  the  appearance 
of  all  Santa  Anna's  cavalry,  two  thousand  five  hundred  strong. 
Corporal  Tilghman,  of  company  C,  (rifles,)  brought  up  a  small 
howitzer.  Private  Dusenbery,  of  company  C,  took  a  lieutenant  of 
artillery  prisoner,  and  turned  him  over  to  Surgeon  Reynolds.  By 
this  time  a  good  many  of  our  men  had  returned,  and  w^re  in  the 
plaza  in  scattered  groups,  when  the  lancers  charged  them  suddenly 
and  unexpectedly.  Our  men  received  them  with  great  bravery,  and 


DEATH    OF    CAPTAIN    WALKER.  187 

kept  the  plaza,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  under  Captain  Walker, 
who  retired  by  a  street  leading  west  from  the  plaza ;  they  were 
joined  by  Lieutenant  Claiborne  and  his  party,  who  were  approach 
ing  the  square.  Captain  Walker  led  them  from  the  plaza — the 
enemy  close  on  them  at  a  charge ;  he  turned  the.  next  street  to  his 
left,  while  the  enemy,  seeing  the  four-pounder,  rushed  to  it  to  retake 
it.  It  was  fortunate  for  the  few  men  with  Captain  Walker  they 
saw  this  piece,  for  at  the  very  next  corner  a  still  larger  force  met 
him ;  he  wheeled,  and  dashing  swiftly  past  the  rear  of  those  who 
had  cut  him  off  from  the  plaza,  again  entered  it.  Here  the  men 
dismounted  and  occupied  the  convent-yard,  together  with  a  large 
house  on  the  corner  of  the  square. 

"  Captain  Lewis  and  Lieutenant  Waters,  with  some  ten  or  twelve- 
men,  charged  twice  upon  the  enemy,  who  gave  way,  and  were  pursu 
ing  them,  when  they  discovered  they  were  being  surrounded  by  a 
vast  number  of  the  lancers.  They  gallantly  forced  their  way  to  the 
plaza ;  Captain  Besan^on  barely  returned  in  time  to  save  himself. 

"Private  Huguenin  and  Corporal  Merrillen,  of  company  C,  rifles, 
being  entirely  surrounded,  drove  right  into  their  midst,  and  fell  co 
vered  with  wounds. 

"  Captain  Walker  gave  the  orders  promptly  to  form  the  men  to  re 
ceive  the  enemy,  who  now  made  their  appearance  on  our  right,  in 
front,  and  on  our  left.  They  had  also  run  up  the  four-pounder  to 
open  on  us. 

"  Lieutenant  Claiborne,  assisted  by  Corporal  Tilghman,  unlimbered 
the  six-pounder,  and  pointed  it  at  the  column  on  our  left.  Having 
no  port-fire,  he  prepared  to  fire  it  with  a  horse-pistol ;  the  enemy 
came  nearer  and  nearer,  until  at  about  sixty  yards  off,  when  they 
halted.  At  this  moment  the  Lieutenant  fired  the  pistol,  but  the  fuse 
of  the  cannon  would  not  catch ;  and  being  left  alone  in  the  plaza, 
he  retired  to  the  corner  house,  and  posted  some  riflemen  to  keep  the 
piece  from  recapture. 

"At  this  juncture  Captain  Walker,  while  examining  the  approach 
of  the  enemy,  and  looking  at  the  four-pounder  on  our  right,  was 
shot  from  behind,  from  a  house  that  displayed  a  white  flag.  He 
sunk  down  immediately  and  was  borne  into  the  yard,  the  men  burst 
ing  into  tears  as  the  cry  spread  among  them,  "  Captain  Walker  w 
killed."  Captain  Walker  directed  that  we  should  "never  sur- 

I 


188  CAPTAIN    WALKER. 

render,"  and  died  in  about  thirty  minutes.*  Captain  Lewis  made 
a  detail  of  eight  men,  who  went  out  and  brought  the  six-pounder 
and  placed  it  at  the  gate.  The  enemy  menaced  us  a  long  time,  and 
fired  the  four-pounder  six  or  eight  times  loaded  with  grape,  one  of 
which  discharges  shattered  the  leg  of  Frederick  Raborg,  Captain 
W.'s  interpreter,  and  a  private  of  company  C.  Seeing  the  deter 
mination  of  our  men  they  hesitated,  faltered,  and  fell  back.  Captain 
Lewis  formed  the  men  after  Walker  fell,  and  by  his  energy  and  ad 
dress  assisted  materially  to  suppress  disorder. 

"Lieutenant  Lilly  distinguished  himself  by  his  daring.  Surgeon 
Lamar  was  in  the  first  charge  by  the  side  of  Walker ;  was  in  the 
plaza  when  the  charge  was  made,  and  was  saved  by  the  devoted  act 
of  Captain  Walker's  slave  David,  who  caught  at  the  lance  aimed 
at  him,  and  received  it  himself.  He  died  in  a  few  minutes.  He 
was  honest  and  faithful,  and  a  favourite  of  his  noble  master.  "  In 
death  they  were  not  divided." 

"  The  infantry  came  up  as  the  enemy  were  retiring — Colonel  Gor 
man's  being  the  only  portion  of  the  infantry  that  got  a  shot  at  the 
enemy.  There  is  much  praise  due  them  for  the  gallant  manner  in 
which  they  strove  to  be  with  the  cavalry.  They  ran  themselves  out 
of  breath,  and  then  ran  on.  Never  were  men  more  anxious  to  reach 
an  enemy.  They  had  discovered  the  immense  body  of  cavalry  that 
was  making  its  way  in  a  gallop  by  a  parallel  road  to  the  town,  and 
both  tried  to  reach  town  first.  When  they  got  to  town  we  had  pos 
session.  Surgeon  Reynolds  behaved  very  gallantly,  and  his  whole 
energies  after  the  fight  were  bestowed  upon  the  wounded. 

"  The  whole  force  of  Captain  Walker's  command  did  not  exceed 
one  hundred  and  ninety-five.  The  enemy  dispersed  on  the  first 
charge.  There  must  have  been  more  than  five  hundred,  and  in  the 
subsequent  fight  they  were  two  thousand  five  hundred  strong.  Com 
pany  C  lost  its  gallant  captain,  whose  fame  needs  no  eulogy,  and 
whose  loss  is  irreparable.  His  valour,  often  tried,  is  appreciated  by 
the  whole  of  his  countrymen.  Peace  to  the  ashes  of  the  noble  and 
gallant  captain  !  f&  ^  ^  r^ii 

*  It  is  proper  to  state,  that  an  account  different  from  that  in  the  text  has 
been  given  of  the  captain's  death.  This  account  says,  "  he  was  foremost 
in  the  charge,  and  after  displaying  great  intrepidity,  attacked  a  young  lancet 
and  killed  him.  The  father  of  the  latter  then  rushed  upon  Walker,  and 
pierced  him  with  his  lance."  The  story  in  the  text  seems  most  authentic. 


CHARACTER   OF   WALKER.  189 

"Killed,  Corporal  Merriken,  Privates  Huguenin  and  Tarbox. 
Wounded,  Corporal  Glanding,  (since  died;)  Meachem,  (severely;) 
Raborg,  (lost  a  leg ;)  Welch,  Wayne,  McGill,  Scott,  and  Myers, 
slightly.  Missing,  Sergeant  Goslin ;  Privates  Dement,  Darlington, 
Collins,  McCleary,  and  Richards,  of  company  C,  rifles.  Captain 
Lewis's  company,  Private  Murry,  wounded.  Captain  Loyall's 
company,  killed,  Private  Richardson ;  slightly  wounded,  Privates 
Fornely  and  Milton. 

"  The  enemy  lost  over  one  hundred  men,  two  pieces  of  artillery, 
and  large  quantities  of  ammunition.  Most  of  the  prisoners  escaped 
during  the  charge. 

"  The  command  behaved  in  the  most  gallant  manner,  and  received 
the  highest  praises  from  the  commanding  general.  The  whole  force 
under  General  Lane  returned  to  camp  that  night." 

When  the  news  of  Walker's  death  reached  the  United  States, 
it  created  the  deepest  sensations  of  sorrow.  The  chivalric  exploits 
of  the  gallant  ranger,  during  the  hours  of  gloom  and  anxiety  on  the 
Rio  Grande,  united  with  a  remembrance  of  his  former  sufferings, 
had  endeared  his  name  to  all.  The  press  especially  was  eloquent 
in  its  contribution  of  respect.  Among  other  notices  were  the  follow 
ing: — 

"  It  would  be  in  vain  for  me,"  says  the  New  Orleans  correspondent 
of  the  Baltimore  Sun,  "  to  attempt  to  describe  the  state  of  public 
feeling  here  this  morning,  on  reading  the  above  brief  but  deeply 
interesting  information  in  the  caption  of  the  news  by  your  special 
express  from  Mexico.  The  brave  and  patriotic  Walker  was  our 
fellow-citizen ;  we  have  known  him  from  his  youth  up ;  he  was  an 
independent  mechanic,  who  laid  aside  the  implements  of  his  trade, 
and  cheerfully  volunteered  his  services  in  the  hardest,  roughest  kind 
of  warfare.  He  encountered  peril  from  which  escape  was  almost 
miraculous,  and  fought  his  way,  through  desperate  risks,  to  promo 
tion  and  distinguished  honour. 

"I  now  assume  a  responsibility  hitherto  prohibited.  Captain 
Walker  enjoyed  the  confidence  of  Major-General  Scott  in  an  eminent 
degree.  He  was  opposed  to  formidable  display  in  taking  possession 
of  defenceless  towns  or  villages,  or  of  intimidating  unprotected  wo 
men  and  children.  So  far  from  being  censured  for  sacking  a  certain 
tillage,  and  allowing  the  perpetration  of  outrages,  the  '  head  and 


190  CAPTAIN    WALKER. 

front'  of  his  offence,  as  charged  by  a  superior  officer,  was  disobe 
dience  of  orders,  in  refusing  to  enter  a  village  under  a  charge. 

".  In  the  midst  of  this  bereavement,  it  is  gratifying  to  perceive, 
that  in  the  fatal  engagement  both  the  accuser  and  the  accused  were 
participants,  leaving  little  or  no  room  to  doubt  that  existing  difficul 
ties  had  been  amicably  adjusted,  and  honourably  to  both  parties. 

"  I  understand  that  it  is  the  intention  of  our  mayor  to  make  a 
communication  to  the  councils  in  relation  to  the  melancholy  event, 
and  that  every  demonstration  of  respect  will  be  paid  to  the  memory 
of  the  gallant  dead." 

The  Baltimore  Clipper  says  —  "The  rumoured  death  of  Captain 
Walker,  the  gallant  Texan  Ranger,  has  created  profound  regret  in 
this  city,  where  he  was  well  known,  and  attached  to  whose  company 
is  a  large  number  of  Marylanders,  many  of  them  from  this  city. 
Captain  Walker  was  a  native  of  Prince  George's  county,  but  had 
resided  for  several  years  in  Texas.  As  several  of  his  men  are  also 
reported  to  have  been  killed,  their  names  will  be  looked  for  with  the 
most  painful  anxiety  by  those  having  relatives  and  friends  in  his 
company." 

The  following  more  extended  notice  is  from  the  New  Orleans 
Delta: 

"  The  death  of  the  gallant  Texan,  whose  fame  has  been  extended 
over  our  whole  country,  and  reached  foreign  and  remote  lands,  has 
created  a  melancholy  sensation  in  our  city.  He  was  well  known 
here,  and  had  many  friends,  some  of  whom  had  witnessed,  and  all 
had  warmly  admired  his  daring  and  intrepidity.  We  all  remember 
his  brilliant  deeds  on  the  Rio  Grande,  in  cutting  his  way  with  a  few 
gallant  companions  through  Arista's  large  army,  communicating 
with  Fort  Brown,  then  besieged,  and  returning  to  General  Taylor 
with  full  information  of  the  slate  of  things  in  the  fort,  and  the  posi 
tion  of  the  Mexican  army  :  we  remember  his  boldness  and  sagacity 
on  the  bloody  fields  of  Resaca  de  la  Palm-a,  where  he  unhorsed  a 
Mexican  lancer,  and  chased  the  retreating  foe  on  the  charger  of  the 
slain  Mexican. 

"These  have  become  part  of  our  national  glory  and  of  our  national 
records.  They  will  be  immortal  in  history  and  in  song.  But  long 
before  this  Mexican  war  had  begun,  Captain  Walker  had  shown 
himself  the  hero.  In  that  extraordinary  expedition,  whose  history 
furnishes  the  most  striking  examples  of  the  courage,  fortitude,  firm- 


CHARACTER   OF   WALKER.  191 

ness  and  vigour  of  the  American  character  which  have  ever  been 
recorded — the  Texan  expedition  against  Mier — Samuel  H.  Walker, 
though  but  a  beardless  youth,  was  one  of  the  leading  spirits,  ever 
foremost  in  the  combat,  and  the  last  to  yield.  Endowed  with  great 
activity  and  skill  in  the  use  of  arms,  whether  the  deadly  rifle,  the 
sure  revolver,  or  the  irresistible  bowie-knife ;  capable  of  great  en 
durance  against  all  the  dangers,  sufferings  and  trials  of  the  battle, 
of  captivity,  chains,  want  and  starvation,  he  was  a  terror  to  the 
Mexicans. 

"  These  qualities  enabled  him  to  pass  safely  through  the  unpa 
ralleled  fight  of  Mier,  where  two  hundred  Texans  kept  at  bay  Am- 
pudia  and  a  large  and  complete  Mexican  army  of  two  thousand, 
slaying  five  or  six  hundred,  and  only  surrendering  on  honourable 
terms,  which  were  basely  violated  by  the  brutal  Ampudia;  to  bear 
up  under  the  horrible  oppression  and  cruelty  of  the  Mexicans  whilst 
a  prisoner;  to  sustain  the  severest  visitations  of  hunger,  thirst  and 
destitution  in  the  desert  valley  of  Salado;  and,  finally,  to  break 
through  the  walls  and  iron  bars  of  that  famous  Mexican  bastile,  the 
castle  of  Perote. 

"  By  a  strange  coincidence,  he  has  now  fallen  in  the  neighbour 
hood  of  the  castle,  where  he  once  pined  in  captivity,  but  not  in  his 
former  unhappy  condition,  as  one  of  a  few  ragged,  dispirited,  half- 
starved  prisoners,  jeered  at  by  the  dastard  Mexicans ;  but  he  fell  in 
glorious  battle,  heading  the  charge  of  the  resistless  rangers,  and  in 
the  arms  of  victory.  Captain  Walker  was  one  of  the  best  spies  or 
rangers  on  this  continent.  We  have  heard  Colonel  Hays  and  Major 
McCulloch  say  that  if  they  required  a  man  to  go  into  the  enemy's 
;amp,  or  approach  his  lines,  and  pry  out  his  designs,  or  perform 
my  other  act  requiring  great  danger,  coolness  and  sagacity,  they 
would  select  Walker  in  preference  to  any  other  man  living. 

"Just  previous  to  the  attack  of  the  Texans  on  Mier,  Captain 
Walker  entered  the  town,  mixed  with  the  people,  ascertained  the 
condition  of  things,  reported  to  his  commander,  and  subsequently 
guided  the  Texans  through  the  streets  of  Mier.  He  was  then  a 
youth  of  about  twenty  years. 

"  We  have  now  before  us  a  letter  from  a  gallant  young  officer 
stationed  at  Perote  castle,  dated  August  last,  in  which  occurs  the 
following  allusion  to  Walker,  with  which  we  conclude  this  notice : 

"  *  Who,  I  ask,  has  not  seen  or  heard  of  the  gallant  Walker's 


192  CAPTAIN    WALKER. 

bravery  ?  To  estimate  him  properly  they  should  see  him.  in  his 
proper  element.  The  captain  in  the  States  is  quite  a  different  indi 
vidual  from  the  captain  under  the  galling  fire  of  a  foe.  He  is  one 
of  the  few  who  retain  their  courage  and  composure  under  all  cir 
cumstances.  In  perils  the  most  appalling,  he  has  the  courage  of  one 
born  to  command.  I  was  at  his  side  in  the  battle  of  La  Hoya,  when, 
with  his  company  (C)  of  the  rifles,  he  charged  and  defeated  fifteen 
hundred  Mexicans.  Would  that  some  of  our  fathers,  wives,  bro 
thers  and  sisters  could  have  been  placed  on  the  summit  of  a  neigh 
bouring  mountain,  to  witness  that  charge  of  the  rifles,  as  with  up 
lifted  glittering  sabres  they  obeyed  the  loud  call  of  their  leader — 
*  Follow  me — charge — hurra!' — and  could  have  seen  how  the  nu 
merous  foe  began  to  waver,  b^ak,  and  finally  take  to  their  heels 
before  our  little  band.'  " 

In  Washington  city,  a  communication  from  the  Mayor  was  re 
ceived  by  the  Board  of  Aldermen,  suggesting  some  tribute  of  respect 
to  the  memories  of  Captains  Graham,  Hanson  and  WALKER,  news 
of  whose  deaths  had  just  been  received.  Immediately,  the  follow 
ing  resolutions  were  unanimously  passed,  after  eloquent  remarks 
from  Messrs.  B.  B.  French  and  J.  T.  Towers. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  two  Boards  have  heard  with  deep  emotion 
the  communication  of  the  Mayor,  calling  the  attention  of  the  two 
Boards  to  the  fall  in  battle  of  Captains  James  Graham,  Charles 
Hanson,  and  Samuel  H.  Walker,  three  brave  officers  of  the  army 
of  the  United  States,  all  residents  and  two  of  them  natives  of  this 
city. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  sympathy  of  the  two  Boards  be  tendered 
to  the  relations  of  the  deceased. 

"Resolved,  That  the  two  Boards  will  wear  the  usual  badge  of 
mourning  for  thirty  days,  in  testimony  of  their  respect  for  the 
memory  of  the  deceased. 

"  Resolved,  That  a  joint  committee  of  five  members,  two  -from 
the  Board  of  Aldermen  and  three  from  the  Board  of  Common  Coun 
cil,  be  appointed  to  recommend  such  further  testimonials  of  respect 
as  they  may  deem  expedient." 

The  death  of  Walker  has  thrown  an'  interest  around  the  battle 
of  Huamantla  far  greater  than  its  own  importance  could  merit. 
Many  of  the  incidents  connected  with  it  have  been  carefully  col- 


ANECDOTES.  193 

lected  by  the  different  journals,  especially  those  which  relate  to  the 
ranger's  death.  The  following  are  a  few  of  the  most  interesting  :— 

"  I  heard  a  touching  anecdote  of  Colonel  Wynkoop  and  Captain 
Walker  yesterday,  which  I  fear  I  cannot  give  as  I  received  it.  It  is 
known,  probably,  in  the  United  Stales,  that  difficulties  had  existed 
between  these  gentlemen,  which  their  mutual  friends  have  always 
regretted.  They  had,  I  believe,  preferred  charges  against  each 
other,  but  when  Colonel  Wynkoop  heard  that  Captain  Walker  was 
seriously  wounded,  and  not  likely  to  live,  he  sent  a  staff  officer  at 
once  to  beg  an  interview  with  the  dying  chief.  Becoming  impa 
tient  before  the  return  of  his  messenger,  the  colonel  hastened  to 
where  the  captain  lay  and  found  him  dead.  The  shock  to  him  was 
overwhelming,  and  he  could  scarcely  utter  a  word.  In  a  few  mo 
ments,  however,  he  said,  with  much  emotion,  *  I  would  give  six 
years  of  my  life  for  one  word  with  that  man!' — and  turned  from 
the  corps  to  ask  of  General  Lane  the  command  of  Walker's  troop, 
that  he  might  dash  upon  the  retreating  enemy  and  avenge  the  death, 
of  the  gallant  trooper !  The  General  refused  this  request,  as 
Walker's  men  had  been  greatly  reduced,  and  those  not  killed  were 
much  exhausted ;  and  Colonel  Wynkoop  returned  to  his  command 
with  a  heavy  heart." 

"At  the  time  that  the  gallant  Walker  was  attacked  by  the  Mexi 
can  reinforcements,  one  of  his  men  was  despatched  to  watch  the 
approach  of  the  column  of  infantry,  and  by  signals  to  hasten  its 
movements.  He  ascended  the  steeple  of  an  immense  church,  and 
at  a  distance  of  some  two  hundred  feet  from  the  earth,  got  out  upon 
a  platform,  about  thirty  inches  in  width,  which  ran  around  the 
steeple.  Missing  his  footing,  he  fell  upon  the  platform  and  dislo 
cated  his  thigh, — narrowly  escaping  a  fall  to  the  earth.  After  the 
battle  was  over,  the  poor  fellow's  cries  attracted  attention,  and  some 
of  his  comrades  ascended  to  assist  him  down  again.  He  was,  how 
ever,  found  to  be  so  badly  injured,  and  suffering  such  intense  pain, 
that  it  was  impossible  to  remove  him,  until  the  dislocated  bone  should 
be  replaced.  Surgeon  Reynolds  ascended  for  that  purpose.  In  his 
first  effort,  his  hold  upon  the  limb  slipped,  and  losing  his  own 
balance,  he  was  very  near  being  thrown  to  the  ground.  He  was, 
however,  fortunate  enough  to  grasp  a  fixture  of  the  steeple,  by 
which  he  recovered  his  position,  and  upon  that  narrow  platform, 
with  the  aid  of  one  or  two  men,  he  replaced  the  bone  in  its  socket,— 

17 


194  CAPTAIN    WALKER. 

and  the  man  was  carried  down,  and  speedily  recovered.  We  doubt 
very  much  whether  a  dislocated  limb  was  ever  set  in  such  a  place, 
and  under  such  circumstances." 

"  When  Walker's  remains  were  taken  to  Puebla,  the  carpenter 
made  the  coffin  too  small ;  whereupon  Lieutenant  Clinton,  of  Scott's 
company,  1st  Pennsylvania,  took  off  his  uniform,  rolled  up  his 
sleeves,  and  made  him  a  coffin  himself.  He  is  a  carpenter,  it  is 
stated,  and  is  from  Moyamensing  or  Southwark,  in  Philadelphia. 
Lieutenant  Breese,  of  the  same  company,  who  is  a  blacksmith,  en 
tered  a  smithery,  and  made  the  nails.  It  is  said  that  while  these 
officers  were  at  their  « job,'  General  La  Vega  and  young  Iturbide, 
both  prisoners  of  war,  looked  on  in  perfect  amazement.  Such  ver 
satility  of  acquirements  as  they  were  witnesses  of  in  this  instance, 
took  them  by  surprise.  They  had  already  seen  what  proficients  they 
were  in  the  art  of  war,  and  they  now  saw  them  no  less  at  home  as 
members  of  the  mechanic  arts." 

The  following  testimonials  of  esteem,  [passed  December  7th, 
1847,]  from  the  citizens  of  Washington,  convened  by  appointment, 
will  show  how  deeply  the  memory  of  "  the  Texas  Ranger"  is  graven 
on  the  hearts  of  his  fellow-citizens. 

"  On  motion  of  Walter  Lenox,  Esq.,  the  Mayor  was  called  to  the 
Chair,  and  explained  the  objects  of  the  meeting. 

"  On  motion  of  J.  W.  Jones,  Esq.,  John  T.  Towers  was  appointed 
secretary  of  the  meeting. 

"  On  motion  of  William  Archer,  Esq.,  a  committee  of  three  were 
appointed  for  the  purpose  of  preparing  resolutions  to  carry  into 
effect  the  objects  of  the  meeting,  consisting  of  Dr.  Blake,  J.  W. 
Jones,  and  John  Y.  Bryant,  Esqrs. 

"  Mr.  Archer  then  addressed  the  meeting  in  a  few  eloquent  and 
appropriate  remarks,  and  concluded  by  reciting  an  elegy  on  the 
death  of  Captain  Samuel  H.  Walker. 

"Dr.  Blake,  from  the  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose, 
offered  the  following  resolutions,  which  were  unanimously  adopted : 

"  Resolved,  That  deeply  deploring  the  loss  that  the  country,  and 
this  city  in  particular,  has  sustained  in  the  deaths  of  Captains  Walker 
and  Hanson,  who  so  gloriously  fell  in  the  battles  of  Huamantla  and 
Contreras,  we,  the  citizens  of  Washington,  in  town  meeting  assem 
bled,  recommend  to  the  corporate  authorities  to  adopt  appropriate 
measures  to  have  their  remains  brought  home  for  interment. 


TESTIMONIALS  OF  RESPECT.          195 

"  Resolved,  That  the  corporate  authorities  be  further  requested  to 
cause  suitable  monuments,  with  appropriate  inscriptions,  to  be  erect 
ed  to  the  memories  of  those  gallant  and  lamented  officers. 

"  Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  two  from  each  ward  be  now  ap 
pointed  to  make  suitable  arrangements  for  the  funeral,  and  that  the 
military  companies  of  the  city  be  especially  invited  to  attend. 

"  In  pursuance  of  the  last  resolution  the  Chair  appointed  the  fol 
lowing  gentlemen  as  the  committee  : 

"First  JFard.—  Messrs.  Wm.  Wilson  and  J.  H.  McBlair. 

"  Second  Ward.  —  Dr.  Flodoardo  Howard  and  Mr.  John  C.  Rives. 

"  Third  Ward.  —  Messrs.  Peter  Force  and  J.  Y.  Bryant. 

"Fourth  Ward.  —  Messrs.  George  S.  Gideon  and  W.  H.  Winter. 

"Fifth  Ward.  —  Messrs.  John  Purdy  and  Peter  Brady. 

"Sixth  Ward.  —  Messrs.  Wm.  M.  Ellis  and  R.  H.  Harrington. 

"Seventh  Ward.  —  Messrs.  W.  B.  Randolph  and  J.  W.  Jones. 

"  The  meeting  then  adjourned. 

«W    W.  SEATON,  Chairman. 
"  JNO.  T.  TOWERS,  Secretary." 


I* 


CAPTAIN  M'CULLOCH. 


CAPTAIN  BENJAMIN  McCuLLOcn  was  born  in  Rutherford  county, 
Tennessee,  about  the  year  1814.  His  father  was  aid-de-camp  to 
General  Coffee,  and  served  under  General  Jackson  in  the  Creek 
war.  He  fought  under  the  latter  officer  at  Talladega,  Tallahassee, 
and  the  Horse-Shoe  Bend,  where  he  exhibited  that  reckless  daring, 
which  often  proves  so  efficient  against  savages,  and  which  has  since 
rendered  his  son  so  famous.  Young  McCulloch  was  early  placed 
at  school,  where  he  remained  until  his  fourteenth  year,  at  which 
time  his  father  removed  to  the  western  part  of  the  slate,  and  settled 
in  Dyer  county.  This  neighbourhood  was  then  a  wilderness, 
covered  with  swamps  and  dense  forests,  and  infested  by  wild  ani 
mals.  Bears  were  so  abundant  as  to  form  the  principal  meat  of  the 
settlers ;  and  the  hunting  of  them  was  an  essential  part  of  youthful 
education.  McCulloch  soon  signalized  himself  in  this  dangerous 
occupation,  and  became  renowned  throughout  the  settlement  as  a 
most  successful  hunter. 

A  youth  spent  in  this  manner  could  not  fail  to  engraft  a  love  of 
enterprize  and  roving  adventure  into  the  bosom  of  the  young  Ten- 
nesseean.  Accordingly,  having  reached  the  age  of  twenty-one,  he 
set  out  for  St.  Louis,  in  order  to  join  a  trapper  company  destined 
for  the  Rocky  Mountains.  Much  to  his  disappointment,  he  arrived 
at  that  city  after  the  expedition  had  started.  He  then  applied  for 
admission  into  a  company  of  Santa  Fe  traders,  but  here  he  was  also 
unsuccessful,  as  their  number  was  complete. 

Disappointed  in  his  ardent  expectations,  McCulloch  seems  to  have 
given  up  his  intentions  at  roving  for  awhile,  as  we  hear  little  of  him 
until  the  war  between  Texas  and  Mexico.  This  at  once  roused  his 
daring  ^  nt.  The  deep  feeling  excited  throughout  the  United 
State,  oy  this  event  is  well  known.  The  barbarity  of  the  Mexicans, 

(190) 


MAJOR  M'CULLOCH. 


M'CULLOCH'S  EARLY  LIFE.  197 

the  sufferings  of  the  patriots,  and  their  claim,  both  by  manners  and 
descent,  on  the  sympathies  of  our  people,  caused  their  northern 
neighbours  to  regard  them  as  brothers,  and  their  privations  as  mar 
tyrdoms  in  the  sacred  cause  of  liberty. 

The  following  incident,  though  small  in  itself,  is  replete  with  im 
portance  in  its  consequences.  It  is  taken  from  the  valuable  work 
already  quoted, — Reid's  Texas  Rangers. 

"  In  September,  McCulloch  returned  home,  and  soon  after  his 
arrival  called  on  Colonel  David  Crockett,  who  was  making  up  an 
expedition  to  go  to  Texas,  to  take  part  in  the  revolution  that  had  then 
broken  out  in  Mexico  ;  the  whole  south-west  at  that  time  was  alive 
with  feelings  of  sympathy  for  the  Texans,  and  numbers  were  daily 
flocking  to  their  standard.  McCulloch  agreed  to  accompany  Colo 
nel  Crockett  to  Texas.  Nacogdoches  had  been  appointed  the  place 
of  rendezvous  from  which  the  expedition  was  to  start,  and  the 
Christmas  of  1835  was  named  the  day  for  the  meeting,  when,  as 
« old  Davy'  said,  they  were  to  make  their  Christmas  dinner  off  the 
hump  of  a  buffalo.  Unfortunately,  however,  McCulloch  did  not 
arrive  until  early  in  January,  and  finding  that  the  party  was  gone, 
he  proceeded  on  by  himself  to  the  river  Brazos,  where  he  was  taken 
very  ill,  and  did  not  recover  until  after  the  fall  of  the  Alamo. 
McCulloch's  disappointment  was  very  great  at  not  being  able  to 
join  the  gallant  band  of  patriots  at  the  time,  but  which  afterwards 
proved  very  fortunate  for  him;  for  Colonel  Travis,  after  having 
sustained  a  siege  for  thirteen  days,  with  only  one  hundred  and  eight 
Texans  against  Santa  Anna's  army,  fell  with  his  brave  little  band, 
having  previously  killed  nine  hundred  of  the  enemy. 

"  After  his  recovery,  he  descended  the  Brazos  river  in  a  boat  to 
Grass  Plant,  where  the  Texan  army  had  assembled,  under  General 
Houston,  and  was  induced  to  join  the  artillery  by  their  making  him 
captain  of  a  gun.  This  he  gallantly  served  at  the  battle  of  San  Ja- 
cinto,  where  Santa  Anna  was  made  prisoner,  and  his  army  of  fifteen 
hundred  killed  or  captured." 

After  this  battle,  McCulloch  continued  actively  engaged  in  the 
partisan  warfare  between  Texas  and  Mexico,  besides  assisting  in 
several  expeditions  against  the  border  Indians.  He  was  witn  the 
famous  party  concerned  in  the  capture  of  Mier,  but  in  consequence 
of  leaving  it  before  the  surrender  to  Ampudia,  he  escaped  the  trials 
to  which  its  members  were  exposed  in  Mexico.  He  finally  settled 
17* 


198  CAPTAIN  M'CULLOCH. 

in  Gonzaies  county,  and  became  useful  in  surveying  and  apportion 
ing  land. 

Like  many  of  the  Texans  who  had  suffered  during  the  revolution, 
McCulloch  immediately  joined  the  standard  of  the  United  States, 
at  the  opening  of  the  war  with  Mexico,  and  hurried  forward  to  meet 
his  old  enemies.  He  was  not  able  to  organize  his  company  of 
mounted  "  Texas  Rangers"  until  after  the  capture  of  Matamoras, 
and  of  course  missed  the  battles  on  the  Rio  Grande. 

Reid  thus  describes  the  camp  and  appearance  of  this  celebrated 
ranger :  "  Captain  McCulloch  is  a  man  of  rather  delicate  frame, 
of  about  five  feet  ten  inches  in  height,  with  light  hair  and  com 
plexion.  His  features  are  regular  and  pleasing,  though,  from  long 
exposure  on  the  frontier,  they  have  a  weather-beaten  cast.  His 
quick  and  bright  blue  eye,  with  a  mouth  of  thin  compressed  lips, 
indicate  the  cool,  calculating,  as  well  as  the  brave  and  daring  energy 
of  the  man.  ******** 

"The  first  of  July  was  a  clear  beautiful  day.  We  had  had  very 
heavy  rains  for  the  last  week,  and  to  see  a  bright  day  once  more 
was  a  great  relief  to  us  all.  In  the  morning  we  rode  up  to  Fort 
Paredes,  which  was  now  garrisoned  by  our  troops,  and  crossed  the 
river;  then  taking  a  winding  path  along  the  banks  of  the  opposite 
shore,  through  corn-fields,  we  arrived  at  last  at  the  camp  of  the 
Rangers.  Here  was  a  scene  worthy  of  the  pencil.  Men  in  groups, 
with  Jong  beards  and  mustachios,  dressed  in  every  variety  of  garment, 
with  one  exception,  the  slouched  hat,  the  unmistakeable  uniform  of 
a  Texas  Ranger,  and  a  belt  of  pistols  around  their  waists,  were  occu 
pied  drying  their  blankets,  cleaning  and  fixing  their  guns,  and  some 
employed  cooking  at  different  fires,  while  others  were  grooming 
their  horses.  A  rougher-looking  set  we  never  saw.  They  were 
without  tents,  and  a  miserable  shed  afforded  them  the  only  shelter. 
Captain  McCulloch  introduced  us  to  his  officers  and  many  of  his 
men,  who  appeared  an  orderly  and  well-mannered  people.  But 
from  their  rough  exterior  it  was  hard  to  tell  who  or  what  they  were. 
Notwithstanding  their  ferocious  and  outlaw  look,  there  were  among 
them  doctors  and  lawyers  and  many  a  college  graduate.  While 
standing  in  the  midst  of  a  group,  talking  to  the  captain,  a  young 
fellow  came  into  camp  with  a  rifle  on  his  shoulder,  and  a  couple  of 
ducks  in  his  hand,  and  addressing  the  captain,  said, « Ben,  if  you 
havn't  had  dinner,  you'd  better  mess  with  me,  for  I  know  none  of 


EMPLOYED   AS   A    SCOUT.  199 

the  rest  have  fresh  grub  to-day.'  After  an  invitation  to  stay  to  din 
ner,  we  were  informed  that  the  company  would  move  up  to  Reynosa, 
in  a  day  or  two,  and  were  told  to  prepare  to  go  with  it." 

After  the  fall  of  Matamoras,  McCulloch  advanced  to  the  town  of 
Reynosa,  where  he  remained  for  a  while  under  command  of  Colonel 
Watson.  Leaving  this  place  with  his  company,  he  pressed  further 
into  the  interior,  and  took  possession  of  the  town  of  China.  Soon 
after,  he  entered  Camargo,  about  the  same  time  that  General  Taylor 
was  marching  to  attack  Monterey. 

McCulioch  was  now  employed  by  the  commanding  general  to 
scout  in  advance  of  the  main  army,  and  give  immediate  information 
of  all  movements  of  the  garrison  at  Monterey,  and  of  the  army  said 
to  be  advancing  under  General  Ampudia.  His  services  to  General 
Taylor  were  invaluable ;  they  formed  the  basis  of  all  the  introduc 
tory  movements  against  the  city. 

On  the  llth  of  September,  the  following  orders  were  issued  to 
the  whole  army  at  Serralvo.  They  show  the  position  of  the  rangers 
during  the  march. 

"  As  the  army  may  expect  to  meet  resistance  in  the  farther  ad 
vance  toward  Monterey,  it  is  necessary  that  the  march  should  be 
conducted  with  all  proper  precaution,  to  meet  an  attack  and  secure 
the  baggage  and  supplies. 

"  From  this  point  the  following  will  be  the  order  of  march,  until 
otherwise  directed : — 

"  All  the  pioneers  of  the  army,  consolidated  into  one  party,  will 
march  early  to-morrow  on  the  route  to  Marin,  for  the  purpose  of  re 
pairing  the  roads,  and  rendering  them  practicable  for  artillery  and 
wagons.  The  pioneers  of  each  division  will  be  under  a  subaltern, 
to  be  specially  detailed  for  the  duty,  and  the  whole  will  be  under  the 
command  of  Captain  Craig,  3d  infantry,  who  will  report  to  head 
quarters  for  instructions.  This  pioneer  party  will  be  covered  by  a 
squadron  of  dragoons,  and  Captain  McCulloch's  company  of  rangers. 
Two  officers  of  topographical  engineers,  to  be  detailed  by  Captain 
Williams,  will  accompany  the  party,  for  the  purpose  of  examining 
the  route.  Two  wagons  will  be  provided  by  the  quartermaster's 
department,  for  the  transportation  of  the  tools,  provisions,  and  knap 
sacks  of  the  pioneer  party. 

"  The  first  division  will  march  on  the  13th  instant,  to  be  followed 
on  successive  days  by  the  second  division,  and  field  division  of 


200  CAPTAIN  M'CULLOCH. 

volunteers.  The  head-quarters  will  inarch  with  the  first  division. 
Captain  Gillespie,  with  half  of  his  company,  will  report  to  Major- 
General  Butler;  the  other  half,  under  the  first  lieutenant,  to  Briga 
dier-General  Worth.  These  detachments  will  be  employed  for  out 
posts  and  videttes,  and  as  expresses  between  the  column  and  head 
quarters. 

"  The  subsistence  supplies  will  be  divided  between  the  three  co 
lumns  ;  the  senior  commissary  of  each  division  receipting  for  the 
stores,  and  being  charged  with  their  care  and  management.  The 
senior  commissaries  of  divisions  will  report  to  Captain  Waggaman 
for  this  duty. 

"Each  division  will  be  followed  immediately  by  its  baggage 
train,  with  a  strong  rear-guard.  The  ordnance  train  under  Captain 
Ramsay,  will  march  with  the  second  division,  between  its  baggage 
and  supply  train,  and  will  come  under  the  protection  of  the  guard 
of  that  division.  The  medical  supplies  will  in  like  manner  march 
with  the  first  division. 

"  The  troops  will  take  eight  days'  rations,  and  forty  rounds  of 
ammunition.  All  surplus  arms  and  accoutrements,  resulting  from 
casualties  on  the  road,  will  be  deposited  with  Lieutenant  Stewart, 
left  in  charge  of  the  depot  at  this  place,  who  will  give  certificates 
of  deposite  to  the  company  commanders. 

"  The  wagons  appropriated  for  transportation  of  water  will  not 
be  required,  and  will  be  turned  over  to  the  quartermaster's  depart 
ment,  for  general  purposes. 

"  Two  companies  of  the  Mississippi  regiment  will  be  designated 
for  the  garrison  of  this  place.  All  sick  and  disabled  men,  unfit  for 
the  march,  will  be  left  behind  under  charge  of  a  medical  officer,  to 
be  selected  for  this  duty  by  the  medical  director." 

In  obedience  to  these  orders,  the  advance  marched  for  Marin  early 
on  the  12th.  It  was  composed  of  McCulloch's  rangers,  Captain 
Graham's  dragoons,  and  a  small  body  of  pioneers  and  engineers. 
On  the  14th,  the  rangers  encountered  a  body  of  two  hundred 
mounted  Mexicans,  whom  they  defeated,  driving  them  in  hot  haste 
through  the  little  town  of  Ramos.  On  the  following  day  McCul- 
loch  entered  Marin.  The  entrance  is  thus  described  by  Mr. 
Kendall  :— 

"  On  reaching  the  hill  overlooking  the  town,  eight  hundred  or  a 
thousand  yards  distant,  we  came  in  plain  sight  of  a  large  body  of 


APPROACH   TO   MARIN.  201 

the  enemy's  cavalry,  ranged  in  their  principal  street,  and  evidently 
much  flurried  by  our  appearance.  They  were  armed  with  new 
escopetas  and  lances,  and  among  their  uniforms  were  many  of  bright 
scarlet. 

"With  a  force  entirely  too  small  to  approach  nearer — having 
only  twenty-five  men  with  him — McCulloch  ordered  a  halt.  The 
plaza  was  concealed  from  sight  by  the  church  and  the  adjoining 
buildings,  making  it  impossible  to  tell  whether  or  not  there  were  any 
infantry  or  artillery  in  the  town.  The  place  offered  every  opportu 
nity  for  concealing  an  enemy  of  thousands  ;  and  as  our  commander 
was  not  so  particularly  certain  that  the  Mexicans  might  not  send  an 
eighteen  pound  shot,  or  some  missile  of  the  kind  up  our  way  on  a 
flying  visit,  we  were  ordered  to  scatter  a  little  along  the  brow  of  the 
hill.  Scouts  in  the  mean  time  were  sent  out  to  prevent  a  party 
from  getting  in  our  rear,  as  the  advance  of  General  Taylor  was  still 
several  miles  off. 

"  For  an  hour  we  sat  watching,  the  hurried  movements  of  the 
cavalry  in  the  town,  unable  to  make  out  their  intentions.  Horses 
were  plainly  seen  dashing  and  cavorting  about,  while  men  on  foot 
were  jumping  to  get  out  of  their  way.  Several  greasers — Mexicans 
of  the  lower  order  dressed  in  greasy  buckskin — were  taken  in  the 
chapparal  close  by  us,  or  voluntarily  came  up,  stating,  that  the 
party  below  us  was  commanded  by  General  Torrejon,  who  had 
driven  them  out  of  the  place,  and  had  threatened  to  destroy  theii 
houses  before  the  Americans  should  gain  possession.  They  pointed 
out  their  jacales  (cottages)  and  casas  (houses)  to  us,  and  implored 
our  assistance  in  saving  them.  Singular  war  this,  and  more  singu 
lar  the  people. 

"  In  about  an  hour  the  cavalry  began  to  move  off  in  order,  taking 
the  route  toward  Monterey,  now  indistinctly  seen  lying  at  the  foot 
of  a  large  mountain,  ten  or  eleven  leagues  off.  Their  rear  had  not 
yet  left  the  place  before  McCulloch,  accompanied  only  by  Colonel 
Peyton,  was  dogging  after  them,  intent  on  watching  their  move 
ments.  In  half  an  hour's  time  our  captain  appeared,  near  the  main 
street,  and  beckoned  us  down,  and  in  five  minutes  more  we  were 
all  in  the  plaza.  Nearly  every  house  was  closed,  and  the  few  men 
we  met  —  for  the  women  had  all  been  taken  off — greeted  us  as 
amigos  or  friends,  with  their  hats  in  their  hands.  One  old  fellow, 
living1  in  a  large  house  next  door  to  the  church,  said  he  had  been 


202  CAPTAIN 

beaten -.-severely  beaten  —  after  we  had  appeared  in  the  night,  by 
some  of  Torrejon's  officers,  to  induce  him  to  leave ;  but,  regardless 
of  blows,  he  had  determined  to  stick  by  his  premises  and  property. 
All  the  inhabitants  had  been  shamefully  abused,  their  property 
taken  from  them,  and  they  were  then  driven  into  the  chapparal ; 
and  we  were  told  that  in  an  hour's  time  more,  had  our  company  not 
appeared  in  sight,  they  would  have  set  fire  to  the  place. 

"  Such  is  the  policy  which  has  been  adopted,  and  such  the  course 
pursued  by  Torrejon,  at  every  rancho  and  town  since  the  enemy 
left  Serralvo.  To  drive  off  the  inhabitants  and  destroy  all  the  sup 
plies  on  the  road,  is  the  game  they  are  now  playing,  certainly  de 
termining  to  harass  General  Taylor,  if  they  do  not  intend  to  fight 
him.  The  Mexicans  ail  along  on  the  road  spoke  confidently  that 
General  Taylor  would  meet  with  stout  resistance  at  this  place  ;  but 
the  force  we  met  only  amounted  to  some  eight  hundred  or  a  thou 
sand  cavalry,  and  they  started  off  without  firing  a  gun." 

McCulloch's  company  formeyd  part  of  the  regiment  of  Texas 
rangers,  commanded  by  Colonel  Hays,  which  marched  with  General 
Worth  [September  20th]  to  assist  in  storming  the  Bishop's  Palace, 
The  following  was  the  order  of  the  general's  march :  —  The  first 
brigade,  commanded  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Staniford,  consisted  of 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Duncan's  battery  of  horse  artillery ;  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Childs'  artillery  battalion,  composed  of  the  following  com 
panies  : — Company  K,  of  the  2d  regiment ;  companies  A  and  B, 
of  the  3d  regiment ;  and  companies  G,  H  and  I,  of  the  4th  regiment, 
acting  as  infantry ;  and  the  8th  regiment  of  infantry  under  Captain 
Scrivner.  The  2d  brigade,  commanded  by  Brigadier-General  P.  F. 
Smith,  was  composed  of  Lieutenant  Mackall's  battery  of  horse  artil 
lery  ;  the  5th  infantry,  to  which  was  attached  Captain  Blanchard's 
company  of  Louisiana  volunteers,  under  Major  Martin  Scott ;  and 
the  7th  infantry,  under  Captain  Miles.  Added  to  these,  as  we  have 
mentioned,  were  the  Texas  rangers. 

In  all  the  operations  of  General  Worth's  division,  McCulloch 
distinguished  himself  in  a  remarkable  manner.  When  the  troops 
left  the  main  camp,  (noon  of  the  20th,)  his  rangers,  with  Gillespie's, 
formed  the  reconnoitring  party.  While  passing  a  ridge  on  the  follow 
ing  day,  the  enemy  opened  upon  them  with  a  howitzer  and  twelve- 
pounder,  firing  shell  and  round-shot  as  fast  as  they  could  discharge 
their  pieces.  This  continued  until  they  arrived  at  the  base  of  a  hiL1 


SERVICES    AT   MONTEREY.  203 

between  Palace  Heights  and  the  mountains,  on  the  west.  When 
the  head  of  the  column  approached  this  place,  a  body  of  Mexican 
cavalry  came  dashing  round  the  ridge  to  charge  it.  Colonel  Hays 
ordered  his  men  to  dismount ;  but,  as  McCulloch  was  at  a  consider 
able  distance,  he  did  not  receive  the  command  in  time  to  obey. 
Accordingly,  when  the  lancers  approached,  he  poured  into  them  a 
shower  of  rifle  and  pistol-balls.  This  being  ineffectual  to  check  their 
progress,  a  furious  charge  was  made,  and  both  columns  reeled  be 
fore  the  terrible  shock.  Horse  and  rider  were  crushed  to  earth,  and 
for  a  moment  all  was  a  wild  hurry  of  confusion.  Then  the  lance 
and  rifle  were  thrown  aside ;  hand-to-hand  a  conflict  commenced 
with  sword  and  pistol,  during  which  scores  of  the  enemy  sunk  be 
neath  the  fierce  rangers'  aim.  McCulloch  fought  with  the  intre 
pidity  of  a  knight  of  chivalry.  On  one  occasion  he  was  separated 
from  his  men,  and  completely  surrounded  ;  but,  putting  spurs  to  his 
horse,  he  dashed  against  the  enemy,  broke  their  ranks,  and  arrived 
safely  among  his  men.  The  action  lasted  fifteen  minutes,  during 
which  the  captain  lost  several  of-  his  command.  The  loss  of  the  enemy 
was  one  hundred  and  fifty ;  the  squadron  which  charged  the  rangers 
being  nearly  cut  to  pieces. 

McCulloch  was  with  Captain  P.  F.  Smith  at  the  storming  of 
the  redoubt  on  Federacion  Hill.  He  also  assisted  in  the  capture  of 
the  Bishop's  Palace,  and  received  the  commendations  of  his  supe 
rior  officers  for  his  distinguished  bravery.  He  is  particularly  men 
tioned  by  General  Worth  among  those  to  whom  his  *  thanks  are 
especially  due.' 

After  the  fall  of  the  Palace,  the  Texas  rangers  were  employed 
in  breaking  open  the  houses  of  Monterey,  and  penetrating  their 
walls  inside  toward  the  central  plaza.  They  contributed  most  mate 
rially  to  the  subsequent  capitulation  of  the  city. 

For  his  conduct  during  this  siege,  McCulloch  received  the  corn- 
mission  of  major.  Soon  after  its  conclusion,  he  set  out  with  sixteen 
men  for  San  Antonio.  On  the  way  he  met  with  rather  a  singular 
adventure  with  two  Indians,  the  particulars  of  which  are  thus  given 
by  his  faithful  biographer,  Reid. 

"  Having  crossed  the  Nueces  with  some  difficulty,  about  mid-day, 
the  party  were  reclining  upon  the  grass  to  rest  themselves,  when  a 
couple  of  daring  Camanches  rushed  in  among  the  horses  close  by 
and  by  their  yells  and  accompanying  antics  succeeded  in  stamped- 


204  CAPTAIN  M'CULLOCH. 

ing  the  entire  cavcdlada,  with  the  exception  of  Major  McCulloch's 
horse,  and  that  of  the  brave  Captain  Cheshire.  These  gentlemen 
mounted  at  once  and  put  off  in  pursuit.  On  coming  up  with  them, 
McCulloch  received  a  flight  of  arrows,  one  of  which  wounded  his 
horse,  and  caused  him  to  dismount.  He  and  one  of  the  Indians 
then  commenced  manoeuvring  for  advantages.  McCulloch  could 
not  bring  his  five-shooter  to  bear.  Mean  time  the  other  Indian, 
armed  with  a  rifle,  was  creeping  round,  trying  to  level  it  upon 
McCulloch ;  but  the  major  was  too  cunning  to  be  caught,  even  in  a 
double-handed  game.  By  this  time  Cheshire  came  up,  when 
McCulloch  proposed  a  charge.  Cheshire,  however,  thinking  it 
more  prudent  to  try  his  rifle,  fired,  but  it  did  not  tell. 

"The  manoeuvring  continued  —  it  was  a  sort  of  running  fight. 
McCulloch  charged  up,  close  enough  to  let  loose  his  repeater ;  two 
shots  did  no  execution ;  at  the  third  it  broke,  and  the  Indian  escaped. 
Cheshire  now  fired  and  wounded  his  man ;  the  Indians  retreated, 
leaving  the  horses.  The  Texans  drove  them  back  in  triumph  to 
the  camp.  In  the  interim  the  foot  company  were  in  the  utmost 
suspense,  watching  the  prairie  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  their  returning 
comrades  ;  and  when  they  at  last  hove  in  sight,  with  the  horses  safe 
and  sound,  the  air  was  rent  with  huzzas.  Never  was  there  a  more 
joyful  crowd,  for  never  did  a  set  of  gentlemen  come  nearer  footing 
it  into  white  settlements." 

On  his  return  to  Monterey,  McCulloch  was  employed  by  General 
Taylor  to  obtain  information  of  the  strength  and  movements  of  Santa 
Anna,  who  was  reported  to  be  moving  toward  him.  He  set  out 
[February  16th]]  with  about  twenty  men  ;  at  about  an  hour  before 
midnight  he  encountered  a  small  detachment  of  Mexican  cavalry,  ex 
tending  across  the  road.  The  rangers  mistook  it  for  chapparal,  but 
were  soon  undeceived  by  a  full  volley  of  musketry.  Although 
ignorant  of  the  enemy's  force,  McCulloch  ordered  a  charge,  which 
was  vigorously  executed,  breaking  the  Mexican  ranks,  and  driving 
them  toward  Encarnacion.  The  rangers  escaped  without  loss. 

On  the  20th,  the  major  again  set  out  with  but  four  men,  on  a 
similar  expedition.  As  he  approached  the  foe,  he  sent  all  his  men 
except  one  back  to  General  Taylor,  to  report  his  observations.  In 
this  perilous  situation,  he  was  met  by  the  enemy's  picket  guard, 
who  immediately  gave  chase.  Instead  of  retreating,  McCulloch 
and  his  companion  (William  Phillips)  galloped  directly  toward  the 


DECEIVES   THE    MEXICAN    PICKETS.  205 

Mexican  camp,  thus  completely  deceiving  the  picket,  who  imagined 
them  their  own  men  on  duty.  They  then  rode  leisurely  to  a  neigh 
bouring  hill,  where  they  concealed  themselves  and  passed  the  night. 
Next  day  they  commenced  their  retreat,  but  in  passing  between 
two  roads,  were  greeted  with  the  sight  of  a  picket  of  twenty  men 
placed  upon  each  of  them.  No  course  was  now  left  but  to  assume 
the  appearance  of  Mexican  scouts ;  and  accordingly,  without  quick 
ening  their  pace,  they  passed  between  the  two  parties,  and  proceeded 
toward  Agua  Nueva.  Luckily  the  Mexicans  were  excessively 
fatigued,  and  having  passed  the  night  without  fire,  they  were  now 
industriously  warming  themselves.  Considering  the  two  strangers 
as  their  own  scouts,  they  neglected  to  ride  after  them,  and  thus 
McCulloch  escaped.  But  he  was  not  yet  out  of  danger.  After  pro 
ceeding  about  eight  miles  he  mounted  a  hill,  where  to  his  mortifi 
cation  he  beheld  another  picket,  guarding  the  only  pass  to  the  road. 
After  remaining  some  time  in  hope  of  their  being  relieved  by  a 
fresh  guard,  he  ventured  into  the  plain,  and  though  the  pass  was 
extremely  narrow,  he  rode  through  it  without  being  observed.  The 
two  friends  then  galloped  on  to  Agua  Nueva,  and  reported  to  Gene 
ral  Taylor. 

In  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista,  McCulloch  behaved  with  his  accus 
tomed  bravery.  "  Major  McCulloch,"  says  General  Taylor,  "quar 
termaster  in  the  volunteer  service,  rendered  important  services  be 
fore  the  engagement,  in  the  command  of  a  spy  company,  and  during 
the  affair  was  associated  with  the  regular  cavalry." 

The  disbandrnent  of  the  major's  command  took  place  aboJUt  this 
time,  after  which  most  of  the  Texans  returned  home. 


18 


COLONEL  H1YS. 


JOHN  COFFEE  HAYS  is  a  native  of  Tennessee.  He  was  born 
about  the  year  1818,  in  Wilson  county,  and  named  after  General 
Coffee  of  the  United  States'  Army.  Even  in  childhood  he  appears 
to  have  been  of  a  daring  disposition,  although  little  of  any  interest 
is  known  of  him  until  the  commencement  of  the  Texan  revolution. 
He  manifested  a  lively  interest  in  that  struggle,  and  determining  to 
be  near  the  scene  of  warfare,  emigrated  in  1837  to  San  Antonio. 
Here  he  had  several  severe  skirmishes  with  the  Indians,  and  was 
engaged  as  surveyor  on  the  frontier.  In  those  times  of  peril,  when 
Texas  needed  the  assistance  of  every  soldier,  Hays  could  not  long 
remain  unnoticed.  He  was  first  created  captain  of  a  scouting 
party,  and  soon  after  superintendent  of  the  entire  border,  with  the 
rank  of  major.  Desperate,  and  sometimes  personal  encounters 
with  the  Indians,  soon  spread  his  reputation,  and  before  the  com 
mencement  of  our  war  with  Mexico,  he  was  regarded  by  the  sa 
vages  as  superior  to  common  men — the  bearer  of  a  charmed  life. 

He  was  appointed  colonel  of  the  Texan  mounted  rifles,  and 
reached  the  Rio  Grande  a  short  time  after  the  battles  of  the  8th  and 
9th  of  May.  Particular  incidents  of  his  command  are  given  in  the 
sketch  of  McCulloch. 

General  Worth,  in  his  official  despatch  of  Monterey,  speaks  thus 
of  him :  "  It  is  my  pleasant  and  grateful  duty  to  present  to  the  con 
sideration  of  the  general-in-chief,  and  through  him  to  the  govern 
ment,  the  distinguished  conduct  of  Brigadier-General  Smith,  and 
Colonel  Hays,  of  the  Texas  riflemen." 

An  order  from  the  same  general,  [dated  Monterey,  September 
28thJ  has  the  following  paragraph  : — 

"  The  general  feels  assured,  that  every  individual  in  the  command 
unites  with  him  in  admiration  of  the  distinguished  gallantry  and 
(206) 


COLONEL  HAYS. 


HIS  PERSONAL  APPEARANCE.          207 

conduct  of  Colonel  Hays,  and  his  noble  band  of  Texan  volunteers. 
Hereafter,  they  and  we  are  brothers,  and  we  can  desire  no  better 
guarantee  of  success  than  by  their  association." 

The  following  description  of  the  personal  appearance  of  this 
celebrated  partisan  is  given  by  his  friend  Reid  : — 

"  We  had  heard  so  much  of  Col.  Hays,  that  we  were  anxious  to 
be  introduced  to  the  commander  of  our  regiment.  The  quarters  of 
Lieutenant  Forbes  Britton,  commissary  of  subsistence,  was  at  that 
time  the  general  rendezvous  of  ail  the  officers.  And  go  when  you 
would  to  his  quarters,  from  his  generous  and  hospitable  feelings,  all 
were  sure  to  meet  with  a  kind  reception.  On  this  occasion,  as  we 
entered  Lieutenant  Britton's  quarters,  we  saw  a  group  of  gentlemen 
sitting  around,  among  whom  were  General  Lamar,  Governor  Hen 
derson,  General  Cazeno,  and  General  McCloud,  all  distinguished 
men  of  Texas,  whose  names  are  enrolled  on  the  page  of  its  history. 
As  we  cast  our  eye  around  the  group,  we  tried  to  single  out  the 
celebrated  partisan  chief,  and  we  were  much  surprised  when  we 
were  presented  to  a  delicate-looking  young  man,  of  about  five  feet 
eight  inches  in  stature,  and  told  that  he  was  our  colonel. '  He  was 
dressed  very  plainly,  and  wore  a  thin  jacket,  with  the  usual  Texian 
hat,  broad  brimmed,  with  a  round  top,  and  loose  open  collar,  with  a 
black  handkerchief  tied  negligently  around  his  neck.  He  has  dark 
brown  hair,  and  a  large  and  brilliant  hazel  eye,  which  is  restless  in 
conversation,  and  speaks  a  language  of  its  own  not  to  be  mistaken, 
with  very  prominent  and  heavy  arched  eyebrows.  His  broad,  deep 
forehead  is  well  developed ;  he  has  a  Roman  nose,  with  a  finely 
curved  nostril ;  a  large  mouth,  with  the  corners  tending  downwards ; 
a  short  upper  lip,  while  the  under  one  projects  slightly,  indicative 
of  great  firmness  and  determination.  He  is  naturally  of  a  fair  com 
plexion,  but  from  long  exposure  on  the  frontier  has  become  dark 
and  weather-beaten.  He  has  rather  a  thoughtful  and  care-worn 
expression,  from  the  constant  exercise  of  his  faculties  ;  and  his  long 
acquaintance  with  dangers  and  difficulties,  and  the  responsibilities 
of  a  commander,  have  given  him  an  habitual  frown  when  his  fea 
tures  are  in  repose.  He  wears  no  whiskers,  which  gives  him  a  still 
more  youthful  appearance,  and  his  manners  are  bland  and  very  pre 
possessing,  from  his  extreme  modesty." 

Among  other  most  interesting  incidents,  we  extract  from  the  same 
author  the  following  account  of  a  few  of  his  daring  exploits :— - 

K 


208  COLONEL    HAYS. 

"  It  was  some  time  in  the  month  of  July,  1844,  that  he  was  en 
gaged  in  one  of  the  most  remarkable  Indian  fights  perhaps  on  re 
cord.  Remarkable,  not  for  the  numbers  engaged,  nor  the  duration 
of  the  conflict,  but  from  the  fearful  odds  against  the  Rangers.  At 
the  time  we  speak  of,  Hays  was  surrounded  by  as  gallant  a  little 
band  of  noble  and  brave  men,  numbering  only  fourteen,  as  ever 
fought  for  the  liberty  of  any  land.  Among  this  Spartan  band  were 
the  names  of  a  Gillespie,  a  Walker,  and  a  Chevalier,  whose  noble 
deeds  have  since  made  them  known  to  the  world.  On  this  occa 
sion,  Hays  had  gone  out  with  his  men  some  eighty  miles  from  San 
Antonio,  towards  the  river  Pierdenales,  for  the  purpose  of  ascertain 
ing  the  position  of  the  Indians,  and  to  watch  their  movements.  On 
arriving  near  the  river,  they  discovered  some  ten  or  fifteen  Comanche 
warriors,  well  mounted,  who  immediately  made  demonstrations  of 
fight.  As  the  Rangers  advanced  upon  them,  however,  they  would 
retreat,  and  thus  endeavoured  to  lead  the  Texians  towards  a  ridge 
of  thick  undergrowth.  But  Hays  was  too  well  acquainted  with  the 
Indian  character  to  be  caught  by  their  snares ;  and  he  immediately 
judged  by  their  manoeuvring,  that  an  ambuscade  had  been  laid  for 
him,  and  with  difficulty  restrained  the  impetuosity  of  his  'boys' 
from  advancing  to  the  attack.  He  then  marched  around  the  copse, 
where  he  supposed  the  Indians  to  be  concealed,  and  drew  up  on 
another  ridge,  separated  from  their  position  by  a  deep  ravine.  He 
had  occupied  this  situation  but  a  short  time,  when  the  Indians  dis 
covered  who  he  was,  and  knowing  their  man,  gave  up  the  hope  of 
catching  him  by  stratagem.  The  Indians  then  showed  themselves 
to  the  number  of  seventy-five,  and  challenged  him  to  the  contest. 
Hays  accepted  the  challenge,  and  signified  to  them  that  he  would 
meet  them,  and  immediately  started  down  the  hill  with  his  men, 
towards  the  Indians,  moving  at  the  same  time  in  the  slowest  possible 
pace,  until  reaching  the  bottom  of  the  ravine,  where  he  was  hid 
from  the  view  of  the  Indians,  by  the  brow  of  the  hill  upon  which 
they  were  formed.  Then  turning  at  full  speed  down  the  ravine, 
followed  by  his  little  troop,  he  turned  the  point  of  the  ridge,  came 
up  in  the  rear  of  the  enemy,  and  charged  their  column,  when  every 
eye  of  the  Indian  phalanx  was  looking  in  momentary  expectation 
of  seeing  him  rise  the  hill  in  their  front !  His  first  fire  upon  them 
<vas  with  short  rifles,  which  being  deadly,  threw  them  into  utter 
confusion.  The  yells,  imprecations,  and  war-whoops  that  filled  the 


FIGHT   WITH   THE   INDIANS.  209 

air  after  the  report  of  the  rifles,  would  have  blanched  many  a  cheek 
as  it  echoed  wildly  over  the  plain.  But  there  stood  Hays  and  his 
gallant  men  as  firm  and  undaunted  as  the  rock.  The  Indians  seeing 
their  great  superiority  in  numbers,  soon  rallied,  when  the  Ranger 
ordered  his  men  to  throw  down  their  rifles,  and  prepare  with  their 
five-shooters  to  receive  the  charge  of  the  enemy.  In  order  to  resist 
attack  on  all  sides,  as  the  Indians  were  surrounding  them,  Hays 
formed  his  men  in  a  circle,  fronting  outwards,  being  still  mounted 
on  their  horses,  and  for  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes  maintained  that 
position,  never  firing  a  shot  until  the  Indians  came  within  the  length 
of  their  lances  of  them.  Their  aim  was  sure,  and  every  fire  brought 
down  a  warrior.  Some  twenty-one  of  the  red  men  were  killed  on 
that  spot,  before  they  desisted,  and  then  the  Rangers,  changing  their 
ground,  charged  them  in  turn.  The  fight  lasted  for  nearly  an  hour, 
the  two  parties  alternately  charging  each  other.  By  this  time  the 
Texians  had  exhausted  the  loads  in  their  five-shooting  pistols,  and 
the  chief  was  again  rallying  his  warriors  for  one  more  desperate 
struggle. 

"  Hays's  numbers  were  now  reduced,  and  the  crisis  was  an  awful 
one.  He  saw  that  their  only  salvation  was  to  kill  the  Indian  chief, 
and  demanded  of  his  men,  if  any  one  had  a  charge  left.  The  la 
mented  Captain  Gillespie  replied  that  he  had  reserved  his  rifle. 

"'Dismount  then,'  said  Hays,  'and  make  sure  work  of  that 
chief.' 

"Although  speared  through  the  body,  the  gallant  Gillespie  dis 
mounted,  and  at  the  crack  of  his  rifle,  the  chief  fell  headlong  from 
his  horse.  Panic-struck,  the  Indians  fled  in  dismay,  pursued  by  the 
Texians,  who  gained  a  complete  victory.  On  the  battle-field  of 
Pierdenales  lay  some  thirty  odd  of  their  dead ;  how  many  were 
wounded  was  not  known.  On  the  part  of  the  Rangers,  two  were 
killed,  and  some  four  or  five  wounded,  among  whom  were  Gilles 
pie  and  Walker,  since  celebrated  in  American  history,  who  were 
both  speared  through  the  body. 

"  At  another  time,  Hays  went  out  with  a  party  of  some  fifteen 
or  twenty  men,  upon  the  frontier  of  Texas,  then  many  miles  west 
of  the  white  settlements,  for  the  purpose  of  surveying  and  locating 
lands  in  the  vicinity  of  a  place  well  known  as  the  ' Enchanted 
Rock/  We  are  unable  to  give  to  the  reader  the  traditionary  cause 
18* 


210  COLONEL   HAYS. 


why  this  place  was  so  named,  but  nevertheless,  the  Indians  had  a 
great  awe,  amounting  almost  to  reverence  for  it,  and  would  tell 
many  legendary  tales  connected  with  it,  and  the  fate  of  a  few  brave 
warriors,  the  last  of  a  tribe  now  extinct,  who  defended  themselves 
there  for  many  years  as  in  a  strong  castle,  against  the  attacks  of 
their  hostile  brethren.  But  they  were  finally  overcome  and  totally 
annihilated,  and  ever  since,  the  '  Enchanted  Rock'  has  been  looked 
upon  as  the  exclusive  property  of  these  phantom  warriors.  This  is 
one  of  the  many  tales  which  the  Indians  tell  concerning  it.  The 
rock  forms  the  apex  of  a  high,  round  hill,  very  rugged  and  difficult 
of  ascent.  In  the  centre  there  is  a  hollow,  in  the  shape  of  a  bowl, 
and  sufficiently  large  to  allow  a  small  party  of  men  to  lie  in  it,  thus 
forming  a  small  fort,  the  projecting  and  elevated  sides  serving  as  a 
protection. 

"  Not  far  from  the  base  of  this  hill,  Hays  and  his  men,  at  the  time 
of  the  expedition  spoken  of,  which  occurred  in  the  year  1841,  or 
'42,  were  attacked  by  a  large  force  of  Indians.  When  the  fight 
commenced,  Hays  being  some  distance  from  his  party,  was  cut  off 
from  them,  and  being  closely  pressed  by  the  Indians,  made  good  his 
retreat  to  the  top  of  the  hill.  Reaching  the  « Enchanted  Rock,'  he 
there  entrenched  himself,  and  determined  to  sell  his  life  dearly,  for 
he  had  scarcely  a  gleam  of  hope  left  to  escape.  The  Indians  who 
were  in  pursuit,  upon  arriving  near  the  summit,  set  up  a  most 
hideous  howl,  and  after  surrounding  the  spot,  prepared  for  the 
charge ;  being  bent  upon  taking  this  *  Devil  Jack,'  as  they  called 
him,  at  all  hazards,  for  they  knew  who  was  the  commander.  As 
they  would  approach,  Hays  would  rise,  and  level  his  rifle  ;  knowing 
his  unerring  aim,  they  would  drop  back.  In  this  way  he  kept  them 
at  bay  for  nearly  an  hour ;  the  Indians  howling  around  him  all  the 
while,  like  so  many  wolves.  But  finally  becoming  emboldened,  as 
he  had  not  yet  fired  his  rifle,  they  approached  so  near  that  it  became 
necessary  for  him  to  go  to  work  in  earnest.  So,,  as  they  Continued 
to  advance,  he  discharged  his  rifle,  and  then  seizing  his  five-shooter, 
he  felled  them  on  all  sides ;  thus  keeping  them  off,  until  he  could 
reload.  In  this  manner  he  defended  himself  for  three  long  hours  ; 
when  the  Indians  becoming  furiously  exasperated,  rushed  in  mass, 
and  gained  the  top,  on  one  side  of  the  hill :  his  men,  who  had  heard 
.he  crack  of  his  rifle,  and  had  been  fighting  most  desperately  to 


HIS   NARROW   ESCAPE.  211 

reach  their  leader,  now  succeeded  in  breaking  through  the  file  of 
Indians  on  the  other  side,  and  arrived  just  in  time  to  save  him. 

" « This,'  said  the  Texan  who  told  us  the  story,  *  was  one  of 
Jack's  most  narrow  escapes,  and  he  considers  it  one  of  the  tightest 
little  places  that  he  ever  was  in.  The  Indians,  who  had  believed 
for  a  long  time  that  he  bore  a  charmed  life,  were  then  more  than 
ever  convinced  of  the  fact.' 

"  So  many  were  the  stories  that  went  the  rounds  in  camp,  of  his 
perilous  expeditions,  his  wild  and  daring  adventures,  and  his  cool 
and  determined  bravery,  that  when  we  saw  the  man  who  held  such 
sway  over  his  fellow-beings,  we  were  first  inclined  to  believe  that 
we  had  been  deceived.  But  when  we  saw  him  afterwards  in  the 
field,  we  then  knew  him  to  be  the  « intrepid  Hays.'  So  great  is  his 
reputation  among  the  Mexicans,  that  he  is  everywhere  known  as 
'Capitan  Jack.1  Notwithstanding  his  rigid  discipline,  for  his  word 
is  law  among  his  men,  yet  off  duty  he  is  a  bland  and  pleasant  com 
panion,  and  the  men  familiarly  call  him  Jack ;  though  there  is  that 
about  the  man,  which  prevents  one  from  taking  the  slightest  liberty 
with  him." 


MAJOR  TWIGGS. 


MAJOR  LEVI  TWIGGS  was  born  in  Richmond  county,  Georgia,  on 
the  21st  of  May,  1793.  He  was  the  sixth  son  of  Major-General 
John  Twiggs  of  revolutionary  memory,  whose  patriotic  devotion  of 
his  person  and  his  purse  in  the  war  of  independence  earned  for  him 
an  imperishable  renown.  A  faithful  son  of  his  country,  who,  at  the 
outset  of  that  unequal  contest,  raised  from  his  private  fortune  an 
effective  brigade,  which,  with  his  own  services,  he  tendered  to  the 
cause  of  liberty,  services  which  proved  most  efficient,  earning  for 
himself  the  rank  of  Major-General  in  our  then  infant  army,  and  the 
still  higher  title  of  "  Saviour  of  Georgia."  The  present  eminent 
Major-General  David  E.  Twiggs,  is  the  fifth  son  of  the  same  illus 
trious  sire. 

At  the  declaration  of  war  against  Great  Britain  in  1812,  the  sub 
ject  of  the  present  notice,  then  just  having  completed  his  nine 
teenth  year,  was  desirous  of  entering  the  service,  but  failing  to 
obtain  the  sanction  of  his  parents  at  that  time,  he  continued  his 
studies  at  the  Athens  college  in  his  native  state,  for  some  months 
longer.  At  length  his  military  ardour  was  fanned  into  an  irrepres 
sible  flame  by  the  gallant  exploits  of  our  little  navy,  and  on  learning 
the  news  of  the  capture  of  the  Macedonian  frigate,  by  the  United 
States  under  Commodore  Decatur,  he  immediately  left  college,  and 
solicited  again  his  parents'  consent  to  apply  for  an  appointment  in 
the  marine  corps,  which  was  now  granted.  He  entered  this  corps 
as  second  lieutenant,  on  the  10th  of  November,  1813,  and,  after  a 
brief  sojourn  at  head-quarters,  was  stationed  on  the  Patuxent  with 
the  troops  which  were  posted  there  to  oppose  the  passage  of  the 
British  fleet,  then  hovering  along  the  coasts  of  the  Chesapeake, 
where  he  displayed  the  energy  of  character  and  good  conduct  which 

(212) 


MAJOR   TWIGGS.  213 

ever  after  distinguished  hrm.  From  this  duty  Lieutenant  Twiggs 
was  ordered  to  join  the  frigate  President,  commanded  by  Commo 
dore  Decatur,  on  her  last  memorable  cruise  under  our  flag.  She 
sailed  from  New  York  on  the  14th  of  January,  1815,  and  soon 
after  encountered  a  British  fleet,  consisting  of  the  Majestic  razee, 
the  Endymion,  Tenedos  and  Pomona  frigates,  and  a  gun  brig,  and 
was  captured  after  a  most  gallant  defence,— one  of  the  opposing  fri 
gates,  the  Endymion,  having  been  first  disabled  and  her  fire  silenced 
in  full  view  of  the  other  ships  of  the  hostile  squadron. 

By  some  untoward  accident,  the  senior  marine  officer  did  not  sail 
in  the  President,  and  that  arm  of  the  service  was  commanded  on 
this  occasion  by  Lieutenant  Twiggs — who  by  this  time  had  attained 
the  grade  of  first  lieutenant  —  with  such  consummate  skill  and  gal 
lantry  as  to  elicit  the  warmest  applause  of  his  commander,  and  to 
obtain  honourable  mention  of  his  name  in  the  commodore's  official 
despatches.  Lieutenant  Twiggs'  command  numbered  fifty-six  men, 
who,  as  is  stated  in  Mackenzie's  Naval  History,  discharged  during  the 
action  five  thousand  cartridges,  and  whose  fire  was  pronounced  by 
Commodore  Decatur  "  incomparable.'11 

The  officers  of  the  President  were  detained  as  prisoners  of  war 
in  Bermuda,  until  news  of  the^  peace  reached  there,  when  they  re 
turned  to  their  country. 

From  that  period  until  1823,  Lieutenant  Twiggs  was  attached  to 
the  New  York  station,  from  whence  in  that  year  he  was  ordered  to 
Philadelphia,  having  in  1822  united  himself  in  marriage  to  a 
daughter  of  the  deceased  Captain  McKnight,  of  the  marine  corps, 
and  niece  of  Commodore  Decatur,  —  the  afflicted  lady  who  now 
deplores  his  death.  In  1824,  he  was  ordered  to  the  frigate  Constel 
lation,  Commodore  Warrington,  to  cruise  among  the  West  India 
islands,  in  which  service  he  was  absent  nearly  two  years.  On  his  re 
turn  he  was  again  attached  to  the  Navy- Yard  at  Philadelphia,  having 
been  advanced  to  a  captaincy  by  brevet  during  his  absence,  on  the  3d 
May,  1825. 

In  November,  1825,  he  was  placed  in  command  of  the  marines, 
at  the  Norfolk  Navy- Yard. 

In  June,  1826,  Captain  Twiggs  was  ordered  to  Florida,  where 
he  was  engaged  in  the  Seminole  war  until  the  month  of  April  follow 
ing,  discharging  the  constant  and  very  arduous  duties  attendant  upon  a 
war  with  wandering  savages,  marked  by  all  the  perils  of  treachery 


214  MAJOR   TWIGGS. 

and  ambuscades,  and  the  more  fatal  dangers  of  a  pestilential  climate, 
and  every  species  of  suffering  and  exposure. 

From  the  period  of  his  return  from  Florida  until  1843,  having 
attained  the  rank  of  Major  on  the  15th  of  November,  1840,  he  was, 
from  time  to  time,  placed  in  command  of  the  marines,  at  the  several 
stations  of  Washington,  New  York,  and  Philadelphia,  discharging 
his  duty  at  every  post,  and  on  all  occasions,  to  the  entire  satisfaction 
of  the  Navy  Department,  and  of  the  local  authorities  and  citizens 
with  whom  he  had  either  official  or  personal  intercourse. 

In  1843,  Major  Twiggs  assumed  the  command  at  the  Philadel 
phia  Navy- Yard,  where  he  proved  himself  worthy  of  the  rank  and 
station  which  his  gallantry  and  long  services  had  earned,  by  the 
scrupulous  discharge  of  every  detail  of  his  duty  as  an  officer,  and 
no  less  by  his  amiable,  manly,  and  unexceptionable  bearing  as  a 
good  citizen  and  high-bred  gentleman.  During  the  long  period  of 
thirty -four  years'  service,  he  never  but  once  asked  leave  of  absence, 
and  then  on  account  of  the  illness  of  a  member  of  his  family,  when 
he  was  off  duty  but  a  single  week. 

On  the  2d  of  June,  1847,  Major  Twiggs  departed  for  Mexico, 
having  solicited  active  service.  On  the  29th  of  June  he  arrived  at 
Vera  Cruz.  On  the  16th  of  July  he  left  for  the  interior,  with  General 
Pierce's  brigade,  and  reached  Puebla  on  the  6th  of  August,  which 
place  he  left  with  Major-General  Gluitman's  division,  a  few  days 
after,  and  on  the  13th  of  September  he  fell,  at  the  head  of  his  com 
mand,  leading  them  to  the  assault  at  the  storming  of  Chapultepec, 
pierced  by  a  bullet  through  the,  heart ! 

Of  the  details  of  the  operations  in  which  Major  Twiggs  was  en 
gaged,  as  well  on  the  march  to  the  Mexican  capital  as  on  the  bloody 
fields  in  its  neighbourhood,  no  precise  accounts  have  yet  been  re 
ceived.  We  only  know  that,  whilst  in  the  performance  of  the 
proudest  duty  of  a  soldier,  his  brave  spirit  took  its  flight ! 

Of  an  imposing  presence  and  noble  mien,  he  was  the  personifi 
cation  of  courage ;  dauntless  himself,  he  infused  the  same  quality 
into  all  his  followers,  performing  the  duties  of  his  profession  with  a 
zeal  that  never  flagged,  and  a  singleness  of  purpose  that  considered 
no  obstacle.  Tenderly  alive  to  the  domestic  sympathies,  he  sacri 
ficed  them  aL  to  his  sense  of  duty  to  his  country.  This  sentiment 
was  uppermost  in  his  heart.  When  he  left  home,  therefore,  upon 
his  last  tour  of  service;  like  a  wise  and  good  man,  he  made  all  his 
worldly  arrangements,  based  upon  the  probability  that  he  would 


MAJOR    TWIGGS.  215 

never  return,  whilst  he  studiously  avoided  alluding  to  them  to  his 
family. 

The  death  of  his  gallant  son,  George  Decatur  Twiggs,  who  fell  a 
volunteer  in  Major  Lally's  command  at  the  National  Bridge,  on  the 
12th  of  August,  on  the  way  to  join  his  uncle  the  general,  whose  aid 
he  was  to  become,  had  already  excited  a  sincere  and  deep-felt  sym 
pathy  for  the  bereaved  mother.  Having  but  just  entered  his  twen 
tieth  year,  a  youth  of  the  finest  talents,  and  with  the  brightest  pros 
pects,  already  distinguished  in  the  walks  of  literature,  and  pursuing 
his  legal  studies  with  the  zeal  inseparable  from  an  ardent  tempera 
ment,  he  also,  true  to  his  blood  —  the  commingled  blood  of  heroes, 
which  flowed  in  his  veins — panted  for  martial  fame.  In  one  action, 
he  had  already  gained  the  applause  of  his  commander ;  in  the  next, 
whilst  actively  discharging  the  duty  of  a  lieutenant  in  the  place  of 
one  who  had  just  fallen,  the  fatal  missile  of  the  enemy  cut  him  off 
in  the  flower  of  his  age  ! 

"  As  some  fair  tree  which  erst  the  forest  graced, 
And  charmed  the  eye  by  blooming  vines  embraced, 
Prone  on  the  earth,  a  lovely  ruin,  cast, 
Yields  to  the  lightning's  stroke,  or  tempest's  blast!" 

Of  the  many  brave  men  who  have  laid  down  their  lives  for  their 
country's  honour  during  the  existing  war,  none  fought  more  gal 
lantly,  nor  died  more  nobly,  than  did  these  kindred  spirits,  the  father 
and  son.  Neither  has  it  pleased  an  all-wise  Providence  to  call  hence 
on  any  of  those  battle-fields,  recently  rendered  immortal  by  the 
achievements  of  our  heroic  soldiers,  a  more  worthy  and  well-tried 
citizen  than  the  one,  nor  a  youth  of  brighter  promise  than  the  other. 

Well  appreciated  by  his  friends,  to  whom  he  was  endeared,  as 
well  by  his  own  virtues  as  those  of  his  estimable  wife,  the  news  of 
the  fall  of  Major  Twiggs,  almost  coincident  as  it  was  with  that  of 
his  son,  has  created  a  deep  sensation  of  universal  sorrow  and  sym 
pathy.  Generous,  humane,  social,  affectionate,  with  a  soul  of  chivalry, 
he  was  swayed  by  the  gentlest  emotions ;  considerate  to  those  under 
his  command,  without  any  relaxation  of  discipline,  he  was  the  friend 
of  the  soldier,  and  was  rewarded  by  the  soldier's  obedience  and  de 
votion.  As  an  officer,  long  holding  most  responsible  and  arduous 
stations,  his  conduct  always  elicited  the  applause  of  his  superiois  ; 
and  in  all  the  social  relations,  and  more  especially  in  those  of  do 
mestic  life,  his  deportment  may  be  pronounced  to  have  been  fault 
less.  Of  scrupulous  integrity,  he  was  conscientious  in  the  discharge 

K  * 

' 


216  MAJOR   TWIGGS. 

even  of  his  minutest  duties :  a  tender  and  affectionate  husband,  a 
most  kind  and  indulgent  parent,  leaving  a  wife  and  three  daughters 
to  lament  his  loss :  alas  !  it  is  to  those  widowed  and  orphaned  hearts 
that  his  many  virtues  are  best  known,  and  by  them  that  they  will 
be  most  fondly  cherished ;  hearts  crushed  beneath  a  weight  of  afflic 
tion  which  few  are  called  upon  to  bear ;  for  scarcely  had  they  begun 
to  recover  from  the  shock  of  the  loss  of  a  son  and  brother,  before 
this  last  stunning  blow  fell  upon  them  like  a  thunderbolt.  Let  them 
be  considered  henceforth  as  the  widow  and  children  of  the  nation  ; 
for  to  their  case  the  annals  of  war,  with  its  aggravated  horrors,  can 
scarcely  produce  a  parallel !  To  their  prior  bereavements  it  would 
be  out  of  place  to  refer  here.  But  that  gracious  Being,  who  has 
seen  fit  to  visit  them  with  such  grievous  afflictions,  will  not  fail  to 
comfort  and  uphold  them  in  this  hour  of  their  bitter  trial ! 
"  0  !  thou  that  will  not  break  the  bruised  reed, 

Nor  heap  fresh  ashes  on  the  mourner's  brow, 
Nor  rend  anew  the  wounds  that  inly  bleed, 
The  only  balm  of  their  afflictions  Thou  ! 
Teach  them  to  bear  thy  chastening  wrath,  O  God ! 

To  kiss,  with  quivering  lips,  still  humbly  kiss  thy  rod ! 
******* 
Forgive,  forgive,  e'en  should  their  full  heart  break, 

The  broken  heart  thou  wilt  not,  Lord,  despise, 
Ah !  thou  art  still  too  gracious  to  forsake, 

Though  thy  strong  hand  so  heavily  chastise." 

Among  the  testimonials  of  respect  from  superior  officers,  and 
different  friends,  was  the  following  order,  dated  adjutant  and  inspec 
tor's  office,  Washington,  November  20th,  1847,  and  addressed  to 
Captain  J.  G.  Williams,  commanding  marines  at  Philadelphia : 

"  The  commandant  of  the  corps  with  profound  and  cordial  sorrow, 
announces  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  the  death  of  Major  Levi 
Twiggs,  while  leading  his  command  to  victory  and  glory,  on  the 
13th  September,  under  the  walls  of  the  city  of  Mexico.  In  his  loss 
the  corps  has  to  mourn  for  a  gallant  officer,  who  has  passed  all  of 
his  youth  in  its  ranks,  and  his  country  for  an  estimable  and  patriotic 
citizen,  and  those  who  knew  him  most  intimately,  for  a  valued  friend 
and  a  high-minded  gentleman. 

"  The  usual  badge  of  mourning  will  be  worn  for  him  by  the 
officers  of  the  corps  for  one  month,  and  the  flag  at  head-quarters  will 
be  half-masted  to-morrow. 

"  By  order  of  the  Brevet  Brigadier-General  Commandant." 


COLOWEJL  MAY. 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  MAY. 


THE  reputation  of  Colonel  May  is  based  upon  his  conduct  in  the 
operations  on  the  Rio  Grande.  During  that  period  of  gloom  and 
foreboding,  his  activity,  courage,  and  experience  were  to  General 
Taylor  invaluable. 

Little  is  known  of  his  early  history.  He  is  a  native  of  the  city 
of  Washington,  and  son  of  Dr.  May.  When  the  2d  regiment  of 
dragoons  was  organized,  during  General  Jackson's  administration, 
he  was  commissioned  as  lieutenant,  and  ordered^to  Florida.  Here 
his  duties  were  of  course  arduous ;  but  if  we  except  the  capture  of 
the  Indian  chief  Philip,  nothing  of  interest  is  related  of  him. 

After  he  had  joined  General  Taylor  at  Corpus  Christi,  we  hear 
little  of  him  until  the  march  of  that  officer  from  Fort  Brown  to  Point 
Isabel,  in  order  to  open  the  communication  between  them.  As  the 
cannonading  of  the  river  fort  subsequent  to  Taylor's  departure,  had 
been  heard  at  Point  Isabel,  great  anxiety  was  experienced  as  to  the 
result ;  and  in  order  to  ascertain  the  condition  of  the  garrison,  Cap 
tain  May  with  one  hundred  dragoons  was  despatched  to  the  Rio 
Grande.  He  set  out  about  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  after 
proceeding  some  distance,  halted  until  the  approach  of  night.  They 
then  hurried  forward  until  about  nine,  when  the  Mexican  fires  be 
came  visible  in  the  distance,  and  soon  after  their  whole  army  was 
observed  stretched  in  sleep,  over  the  open  plain.  Maintaining  the 
strictest  silence,  May  passed  round  their  front,  and  succeeded  in 
gaining  unobserved  a  chapparal  hedge  at  some  distance  from  the 
fort.  He  now  sent  Captain  Walker,  of  the  Texas  rangers,  to  com 
municate  with  Major  Brown.  After  waiting  until  near  daylight 
without  hearing  any  news  of  the  captain,  May  concluded  that  he 
had  been  captured  by  the  enemy  and  accordingly  set  out  on  his 
return.  About  sunrise  he  passed  within  half  a  mile  of  the  Mexican 
main  body  without  molestation.  Soon  after  he  encountered  over 
one  hundred  lancers,  drawn  up  in  order  of  battle,  about  twelve  miles 
from  Point  Isabel.  These  he  charged,  and  drove  them  nearly  three 
19  (217) 


218  LIEUTENANT-COLONEL    MAY. 

miles,  but  was  not  able  to  overtake  them  in  consequence  of  the  ex 
hausted  condition  of  his  horses.  He  reached  Point  Isabel  about 
nine  o'clock,  P.  M.,  of  the  4th. 

The  report  of  Captain  May  shows  the  part  he  took  in  the  actions 
of  the  8th  and  9th. 

"  Having  been  detached  from  the  head-quarters  of  my  regiment 
with  my  squadron,  and  acting  under  the  immediate  orders  of  the 
commanding-general  during  the  actions  of  the  8th  and  9th  instant,  it 
becomes  my  duty  to  report  the  services  which  the  squadron  I  had 
the  honour  to  command  rendered  during  these  actions. 

"  You  are  aware  that  my  first  orders  on  the  8th  were  to  strengthen 
the  left  flank  of  the  army,  and  sustain  Captain  Duncan's  battery ; 
in  this  position  I  lost  two  horses  killed  and  two  wounded. 

"  About  half  an  hour  before  sunset  I  received  orders  to  proceed 
to  the  enemy's  left  flank  and  drive  in  his  cavalry.  In  execution 
of  these  orders,  and  while  passing  the  general  and  his  staff",  the 
enemy  concentrated  the  fire  from  their  batteries  upon  us,  killing  six 
of  my  horses  and  wounding  five  men.  I  succeeded  in  gaining  a 
position  on  the  enemy's  left  with  a  view  of  charging  his  cavalry,  but 
found  him  in  such  force  as  to  render  ineffectual  a  charge  from  my 
small  command,  and  therefore  returned,  in  obedience  to  my  instruc 
tions,  to  my  first  position,  where  I  remained  until  the  close  of  the 
action,  which  terminated  very  shortly  afterwards.  Thus  ended  the 
service  of  my  squadron  on  the  8th. 

"  On  the  morning  of  the  9th  my  squadron  was  actively  employed 
in  reconnoitring  the  chapparal  in  advance  of  the  field  of  the  8th, 
and  on  the  approach  of  the  army  I  took  my  position  as  the  advance- 
guard.  When  about  half  a  mile  from  the  position  which  the  enemy 
were  reported  to  have  taken,  I  was  ordered  to  halt  and  allow  the 
artillery  and  infantry  to  pass,  and  await  further  orders.  I  remained 
in  this  position  about  three-quarters  of  an  hour,  when  I  received 
orders  to  report  with  my  squadron  to  the  general.  I  did  so,  and 
was  ordered  by  the  general  to  charge  the  enemy's  batteries  and 
drive  them  from  their  pieces,  which  was  rapidly  executed,  with  loss 
of  Lieutenant  Inge,  seven  privates,  and  eighteen  horses  killed,  and 
Sergeant  Muley,  nine  privates,  and  ten  horses  wounded.  Lieu 
tenant  Sackett  and  Sergeant  Story,  in  the  front  by  my  side,  had 
their  horses  killed  under  them,  and  Lieutenant  Inge  was  gallantly 
leading  his  platoon  when  he  fell.  We  charged  entirely  through  the 
enemy's  batteries  of  seven  pieces  —  Captain  Graham,  accompanied 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL    MAY.  219 

by  Lieutenants  Winship  and  Pleasanton,  leading  the  charge  against 
the  pieces  on  the  left  of  the  road,  and  myself,  accompanied  by 
Lieutenants  Inge,  Stevens,  and  Sackett,  those  on  the  direct  road, 
and  gained  the  rising  ground  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  ravine. 
The  charge  was  made  under  a  heavy  fire  of  the  enemy's  batteries, 
which  accounts  for  my  great  loss.  After  gaining  the  rising  ground 
in  the  rear  I  could  rally  but  six  men,  and  with  these  I  charged  their 
gunners,  who  had  regained  their  pieces,  drove  them  off,  and  took 
prisoner  General  Vega,  whom  I  found  gallantly  fighting  in  person 
at  his  battery.  I  ordered  him  to  surrender,  and  on  recognising  me 
as  an  officer,  he  handed  me  his  sword.  I  brought  him,  under  a 
heavy  fire  of  their  infantry,  to  our  lines,  accompanied  by  Lieutenant 
Stevens,  and  a  sergeant  of  my  squadron.  I  then  directed  Lieutenant 
Stevens  to  conduct  him  in  safety  to  our  rear,  and  present  his  sword 
to  the  commanding  general. 

"  From  this  time  until  the  enemy  were  routed,  I  was  engaged  in 
collecting  my  men,  who  had  become  scattered  in  our  lines.  I  suc 
ceeded  in  assembling  half  of  my  squadron,  and  joined  the  army  in 
pursuit  of  the  enemy,  until  he  crossed  the  Rio  Grande,  from  which 
I  returned  to  camp. 

"  I  cannot  speak  in  terms  of  sufficient  praise  of  the  steadiness  and 
gallantly  of  the  officers  and  men  of  my  command.  They  all 
behaved  with  that  spirit  of  courage  and  noble  daring  which  distin 
guished  the  whole  army  in  this  memorable  action,  and  achieved  the 
most  brilliant  victory  of  the  age." 

Speaking  of  this  charge,  General  Taylor  says : 

"  The  charge  of  cavalry  against  the  enemy's  batteries  on  the  9th, 
was  gallantly  led  by  Captain  May,  and  had  complete  success." 

"After  the  unsurpassed,  if  not  unequalled  charge  of  Captain 
May's  squadron,"  says  Colonel  Twiggs,  "  the  enemy  was  unable  to 
fire  a  piece." 

In  Lieutenant  Ridge ly's  report  is  the  following  incident  of  this 
charge : — 

"  Captain  May  rode  up  and  said — '  Where  are  they  ?  I  am  going 
to  charge.'  I  gave  them  a  volley,  and  he  most  gallantly  dashed  for 
ward  in  '  column  of  fours'  at  the  head  of  his  squadron.  I  followed 
as  quickly  as  possible  at  a  gallop,  only  halting  when  I  came;  upon 
the  edge  of  the  ravine,  and  where  I  found  three  pieces  of  artillery, 
but  no  cannoneers;  however,  their  infantry  poured  into  me  a  most 


220  LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   MAY. 

galling  fire,  at  from  twenty-five  to  fifty  paces ;  and  here  ensued  a 
most  desperate  struggle;  but  our  infantry  coming  up  they  were 
completely  routed." 

In  the  march  from  Matamoras  to  Monterey,  May  occasionally 
acted  as  a  scout,  to  obtain  information  of  the  enemy.  Prior  to  the 
operations  against  the  city,  he  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  lieu 
tenant-colonel.  Unfortunately,  the  nature  of  the  assault  against  the 
city  did  not  permit  the  second  dragoons  to  be  brought  into  action  ; 
but  they  were  usefully  employed  by  Colonel  May  as  escorts,  and 
in  keeping  open  communications. 

At  Buena  Vista,  May  was  associated  with  Captain  Pike's  squad 
ron  of  Arkansas  horse,  and  rendered  useful  service  in  holding  the 
enemy  in  check,  and  covering  batteries  at  several  points.  Extracts 
from  his  report  will  show  the  nature  of  these  duties. 

"  Before  the  squadron  of  the  1st  dragoons  could  be  recalled,  it. 
had  gone  so  far  up  the  ravine  as  to  be  in  close  range  of  the  enemy's 
artillery.  It  was  thus,  for  a  short  time,  exposed  to  a  severe  fire, 
which  resulted  in  the  loss  of  a  few  men.  The  other  two  squadrons 
and  the  section  of  artillery  were  in  the  mean  time  placed  in  motion 
for  Buena  Vista,  where  a  portion  of  our  supplies  were  stored,  and 
against  which  the  enemy  was  directing  his  movements.  Lieutenant 
Rucker  joined  me  near  the  rancho,  and  in  time  to  assist  me  in 
checking  the  heavy  cavalry  force,  which  was  then  very  near  and 
immediately  in  our  front.  A  portion  of  the  enemy's  cavalry, 
amounting,  perhaps,  to  two  hundred  men,  not  perceiving  my  com 
mand,  crossed  the  main  road  near  to  the  rancho,  and  received  a  de- 
structive  fire  from  a  number  of  volunteers  assembled  there.  The 
remaining  heavy  column  was  immediately  checked,  and  retired  in 
great  disorder  towards  the  mountains  on  our  left,  before,  however, 
I  could  place  my  command  in  position  to  charge.  Being  unable, 
from  the  heavy  clouds  of  dust,  to  observe  immediately  the  move 
ments  of  the  body  of  cavalry  which  had  passed  the  rancho,  I  fol 
lowed  it  up,  and  found  it  had  crossed  the  deep  and  marshy  ravine 
on  the  right  of  the  road,  and  was  attempting  to  gain  the  mountains 
on  the  right.  I  immediately  ordered  Lieutenant  Reynolds  to  bring 
his  section  into  battery,  which  he  did  promptly,  and  by  a  few  well- 
directed  shots,  dispersed  and  drove  the  enemy  in  confusion  over  the 
mountains.  I  next  directed  my  attention  to  the  annoying  column 
which  had  occupied  so  strong  a  position  on  our  left  flank  and  rear 
during  the  whole  day,  and  immediately  moved  my  command  to  a 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   MAY.  221 

position  whence  I  could  use  my  artillery  on  the  masses  crowded  in 
the  ravines  and  gorges  of  the  mountains.  As  I  was  leaving  the 
rancho,  I  was  joined  by  about  two  hundred  foot  volunteers,  under 
Major  Gorman,  and  a  detachment  of  Arkansas  mounted  volunteers, 
under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Roane.  Believing  my  command  now 
sufficiently  strong  for  any  contingency  which  might  arise,  I  ad 
vanced  it  steadily  towards  the  foot  of  the  mountains,  and  to  within 
a  Jew  hundred  yards  of  the  position  occupied  by  the  enemy.  I 
then  directed  Lieutenant  Reynolds  to  bring  his  section  again  into 
battery ;  and  in  the  course  of  half  an  hour,  by  the  steady  and  de 
structive  fire  of  his  artillery,  the  enemy  was  forced  to  fall  back. 
This  advantage  I  followed  up ;  in  doing  which  I  was  joined  by  a 
section  of  artillery  under  Captain  Bragg.  My  command  still  con 
tinued  to  advance,  and  the  enemy  to  retire.  We  soon  gained  a 
position  where  we  were  able  to  deliver  a  destructive  fire,  which 
caused  the  enemy  to  retreat  in  confusion.  While  the  artillery  was 
thus  engaged,  by  order  of  General  Wool,  I  steadily  advanced  the 
cavalry ;  but  owing  to  the  deep  ravines  which  separated  my  com 
mand  from  the  enemy,  I  was  unable  to  gain  ground  on  him.  The 
enemy  having  been  thus  forced  to  abandon  his  position  on  our  left 
and  rear,  I  was  again  directed  to  assume  a  position  in  supporting 
distance  of  Captain  Sherman's  battery,  which  occupied  its  former 
position,  and  against  which  the  enemy  seemed  to  be  concentrating 
his  forces.  After  having  occupied  this  position  some  time,  the 
genera  1-in-chief  directed  me  to  move  my  command  up  the  ravine 
towards  the  enemy's  batteries,  and  to  prevent  any  further  advance 
on  that  flank.  This  position  was  occupied  until  the  close  of  the 
battle,  the  enemy  never  again  daring  to  attempt  any  movement  to 
wards  our  rear.  The  cavalry,  except  Captain  Pike's  squadron, 
which  was  detached  for  picket  service  on  the  right  of  the  road,  oc 
cupied,  during  the  night  of  the  23d,  the  ground  near  where  I  was 
directed  last  to  take  my  position  before  the  close  of  the  battle.  Find 
ing  on  the  morning  of  the  24th,  that  the  enemy  had  retreated,  I  was 
joined  by  Captain  Pike's  squadron,  and  ordered  by  the  general  in 
pursuit." 

Shortly  after  the  battle,  Colonel  May  returned  to  the  United 
States,  where  he  remained  for  a  considerable  time.  The  fame  of 
his  daring  achievements  had  preceded  him,  and  he  was  everywhere 
welcomed  as  a  representative  of  the  gallant  ones  with  whom  he  had 
battled  in  Mexico. 


COLONEL  CROSS. 


THE  name  of  Colonel  Cross  will  ever  be  remembered  with  sad 
ness.  His  splendid  military  talents  would  no  doubt  have  shed  a 
halo  of  glory  around  him,  had  they  been  permitted  to  come  into 
exercise.  But  this  privilege,  so  ardently  desired  by  himself,  and 
confidently  expected  by  a  large  circle  of  friends,  was  denied  him.— 
He  was  the  first  martyr  in  our  struggle  with  Mexico.  The  editor 
of  Niles'  Register  thus  speaks  of  the  melancholy  event :  — 

"  War  is  a  horrible  evil.  The  first  victim  in  this  new  war  into 
which  our  country  is  now  plunged,  has  brought  with  it  a  deepening 
sense  of  the  evils  inseparable  from  the  mad  conflict  of  man  with 
man,  be  the  occasion  what  it  may.  An  acquaintance,  formed  in 
early  life — a  warm  and  steadfast  friend  from  the  commencement  of 
that  acquaintance — a  generous,  open-hearted,  ardent,  intelligent,  and 
talented  man ; — one  who  was  in  all  the  attributes  a  MAN  among  men, 
is  the  first  victim.  His  father,  forty  years  since,  through  many  an 
ardent  struggle,  political  and  national,  was  shoulder  to  shoulder  with 
us,  in  war  with  arms  in  his  hand,  and  in  peace  or  war,  with  as  ar 
dent  patriotism  at  heart  as  ever  animated  a  citizen  and  a  republican. 
His  son  is  snatched  from  our  hopes,  as  well  as  from  a  wide  circle 
of  friends,  and  from  his  own  wife,  now  widowed,  and  left  with  her 
orphans  to  a  life — how  desolate  and  lonely  !  Wreaths  may  encircle 
the  brow  of  victors  in  the  coming  contest,  but  what  shall  compensate 
for  suffering,  of  which  this  is  but  the  type,  that  must  be  the  price  at 
which  they  are  purchased  ?" 

Colonel  Trueman  Cross  was  born  in  Prince  George's  County, 
Maryland.  His  father  was  also  a  colonel  in  the  American  service. 
From  a  condition  of  comparative  obscurity,  the  son  raised  himself 
by  his  industry  and  perseverance  both  to  distinction  and  affluence. 
His  military  career  commenced  under  General  Jackson,  with  whom 

(222) 


COLONEL  CROSS, 


COLONEL   CROSS.  223 

he  served  both  in  Florida  and  the  Creek  country.  His  promptness, 
strict  attention  to  duty,  and  indefatigable  perseverance,  gained  the 
approbation  of  his  superior  officer,  and  led  to  promotion  from  govern 
ment. 

When  General  Taylor  was  sent  to  Texas,  Colonel  Cross  was 
employed  in  the  "  Corps  of  Observation"  as  assistant  quartermaster- 
general,  and  proceeded  with  it  to  the  Rio  Grande.  Here,  while  the 
army  lay  in  comparative  inaction,  he  exercised  himself  by  riding 
from  camp  daily  on  horseback.  On  the  10th  of  April,  he  remained 
so  long  on  his  excursion  as  to  excite  the  fears  of  his  comrades ;  more 
especially  as  his  little  son,  whom  he  had  taken  with  him,  returned 
toward  evening  without  him.  Anxiety  soon  merged  into  painful 
foreboding,  and  scouts  were  sent  after  him  in  all  directions.  That 
day,  the  next  and  the  next,  they  were  unsuccessful.  General 
Taylor  wrote  twice  to  Ampudia,  but  without  being  able  to  ob 
tain  information  of  the  unfortunate  colonel.  Gloom  and  suspense 
pervaded  officers  and  soldiers,  until  the  21st,  when  a  straggling 
Mexican  entered  camp  and  reported  that  he  had  seen  the  body  of  an 
American.  A  party  immediately  accompanied  him,  and  in  a  thick 
chapparal,  some  miles  from  the  fort,  lay  the  mangled  remains  of  the 
unfortunate  Cross.  He  was  identified  by  portions  of  his  uniform. 
The  guide  reported,  that  a  band  of  cut-throats  under  the  notorious 
Romano  Falcon,  had  attacked  him  on  the  10th,  and  were  about  to 
carry  him  into  Matamoras.  To  this  the  leader  objected,  and  on 
finding  his  followers  resolute,  killed  the  colonel  with  a  pistol.  A 
board  of  officers,  convened  on  the  23d,  rendered  a  verdict  in  accord 
ance  with  these  facts. 

The  following  order  [dated  April  23d,  1846]  was  immediately 
issued  by  General  Taylor. 

"  The  commanding  general  has  the  painful  duty  of  announcing 
that  the  doubt  which  has  so  long  prevailed  in  regard  to  the  fate  of 
the  late  Colonel  Cross,  has  at  length  been  resolved  into  the  melan 
choly  certainty  of  his  death,  and,  there  is  too  much]  reason  to  fear, 
by  violent  hands. 

"  The  high  rank  of  the  deceased,  and  the  ability  and  energy 
which  he  carried  into  the  discharge  of  the  important  duties  of  his 
office,  will  cause  his  loss  to  be  seriously  felt  in  the  service,  while 
the  untoward  circumstances  of  his  demise  will  render  it  peculiarly 
afflicting  to  his  family  and  personal  friends. 


224  COLONEL  CROSS. 

"  The  remains  of  the  late  colonel  will  be  interred  with  military 
honours  at  4  P.  M.  to-morrow.  The  funeral  escort  will  be  composed 
of  a  squadron  of  dragoons  and  eight  companies  of  infantry ;  the 
latter  to  be  taken  from  the  2d  brigade,  and  the  whole  to  be  organized 
and  commanded  by  Colonel  Twiggs.  The  necessary  arrangements 
for  the  funeral  ceremony  will  be  made  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Payne, 
Inspector-General." 

Agreeably  to  this  order  the  funeral  took  place  on  the  following 
day.  The  flags  were  at  half-mast,  the  artillery  pealed  forth  mourn 
ful  volleys,  and  the  whole  ceremony  was  deeply  mekncholy  and 
impressive. 

There  is  every  reason  to  believe  that  the  Mexican  authorities 
were  entirely  ignorant  of  the  colonel's  death.  The  regions  around 
the  Rio  Grande  had  always  abounded  with  lawless  banditti,  whose 
only  trade  was  murder  and  theft.  Falcon  was  a  most  celebrated 
leader,  acting  independent  of  all  control,  and  irresponsible  of  any 
one.  The  occurrence,  therefore,  can  be  regarded  in  no  other  light 
than  as  the  outrage  of  a  robber. 


Slrf  10  gSJLlub  JflBfI(X|fflt  '3jlj    io  '9^1&u36liJ    '-:il 

:i!iti-ff  t9oi'#i98  odi  ni  K1^  viawoh&a  o- 
.fNr'Jrtvrft  7i  fMfiriMf  '[:  >r  idnj^b  eiti  1o  ?/>Dt 


COLONEL  HAKDIN. 


COLONEL  HARDIN  has  left  a  reputation  to  his  family  and  nation 
more  precious  than  the  remembrance  of  noble  achievements.  His 
character,  moral,  political,  and  military,  is  without  one  single  stain ; 
and  the  cruel  spirit  of  war  that  lit  the  blaze  of  battle  at  Buena  Vista, 
snatched  no  more  valuable  treasure  from  that  bloody  field  than 
Colonel  Hardin. 

When  his  remains  reached  Mobile,  on  their  way  to  Illinois,  they 
were  honoured  by  every  manifestation  of  esteem,  and  an  eloquent 
eulogy  pronounced  over  them  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Van  Court.  A 
sketch  of  the  ceremonies,  and  of  the  discourse,  exhibit  the  deep  feel 
ing,  even  of  a  distant  state,  for  his  untimely  end,  and  contain  a  slight 
biography  of  his  public  life. 

"  About  daylight,  the  steamer  Missouri  arrived  from  New  Orleans, 
having  on  board  a  large  number  of  volunteers,  returning  from  the 
war ;  and,  in  charge  of  Colonels  Weatherford  and  Warren,  the  re 
mains  of  the  lamented  Hardin  and  Houghton.  The  committee  of 
arrangements  had  already  made  such  preparation  as  were  deemed 
appropriate  for  the  reception  of  the  remains.  The  rotunda  was 
prepared  for  the  purpose.  A  platform  was  built  in  the  centre,  rest 
ing  on  the  circular  railing  around  the  spiral  stairs  leading  from  the 
ground  floor.  In  the  centre  of  this  platform  was  erected  a  monu 
ment — a  resting-place  for  the  dead — covered  with  appropriate  dra 
pery,  and  crowned  with  several  small  cannon  and  the  American 
flag.  From  the  dome  was  suspended  a  green  chaplet  of  leaves. 
Muskets  were  stacked  around  the  monument  in  military  style.  Sus 
pended  from  the  railing  above  were  flags,  representing  the  several 
States — those  of  Illinois,  Kentucky  and  Mississippi,  and  the  National 
flag,  draped  in  mourning.  The  sky-light  having  been  darkened, 
and  the  rotunda  faintly  illuminated  by  light  suspended  around  the 

(325) 


226  COLONEL   HARDIN. 

circle,  imparted  to  the  scene  a  really  solemn  and  funereal  appear 
ance." 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  Reverend  gentleman's  ad 
dress  : — 

"  But,  for  obvious  reasons,  our  attention  is  directed  to-day,  more 
particularly  to  the  life  and  services  of  Colonel  John  J.  Hardin,  whose 
remains  are  before  us,  wrapped  in  the  flag  of  his  country.  At  the 
early  age  of  thirty-six,  he  has  been  called  to  sacrifice  his  life.  His 
history  cannot  fail  to  be  interesting.  As  soon  as  he  became  of  age, 
or  just  before,  he  emigrated  from  Kentucky,  his  native  state,  and 
became  a  resident  of  Jacksonville,  Illinois.  From  the  very  begin 
ning  of  his  residence  in  the  state  of  his  adoption,  his  course  was 
onward  and  upward.  He  served  his  fellow-citizens  in  the  Legisla 
ture.  Their  suffrages  sent  him  as  a  representative  to  Congress.  And 
had  his  life  continued,  his  career  would  have  been,  doubtless,  more 
brilliant  and  honourable  from  the  universal  esteem  in  which  he  was 
held,  not  only  by  those  of  his  own  political  party,  but  by  those  whose 
views  were  of  a  different  complexion. 

"  As  a  citizen,  Colonel  Hardin  was  universally  esteemed,  not  only 
at  home  and  among  those  who  knew  him  best,  but  abroad  and  among 
strangers.  Friends  increased  around  him,  and  their  affections  waxed 
stronger  by  the  lapse  of  years.  As  a  husband  and  father,  he  was 
tender  and  affectionate  in  no  ordinary  degree.  May  He  who  « tem 
pers  the  wind  to  the  shorn  lamb,'  who  is  a  'father  to  the  fatherless 
and  a  God  to  the  widow,'  remember  them  and  sustain  them  in  their 
hour  of  anguish  and  bereavement !  As  a  man,  he  was  honourable 
and  high-minded  in  every  transaction ;  true  and  faithful  in  every 
office,  whether  of  business  or  friendship.  But  as  a  Christian,  whose 
heart  and  hopes  were  in  Heaven,  I  love,,  pre-eminently,  to  think 
and  speak  of  him  now.  Not  only  was  he  my  brother  in  the  mystic 
rites  which  appertain  to  the  outer  courts  and  porches  of  the  Temple, 
but  he  was  my  brother  in  a  secret  and  well-assured  hope  of  salva 
tion  through  Christ  the  Redeemer.  Having  cast  his  anchor  within 
the  veil,  all  his  conduct  was  uniform  and  consistent  with  his  profes 
sion.  As  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church  in  Jacksonville,  his 
life  and  conduct  were  pure  and  stainless.  At  home  he  was  ever 
active  in  his  Master's  cause ;  when  abroad,  and  especially  in  the 
Congressional  prayer-meeting  at  Washington  city,  he  was  exem 
plary  and  useful.  *  We  sorrow  not  as  those  that  have  no  hope,  for 


FUNERAL    CEREMONIES.  227 

if  we  believe  that  Jesus  died  and  rose  again,  even  so  them  also  which 
sleep  in  Jesus  will  God  bring  with  him.'  *  This  corruptible  shall 
put  on  incorruptible,  and  this  mortal  shall  put  on  immortality.'  This 
coffin  shall  burst  at  the  voice  of  the  Archangel  and  the  trump  of 
God,  and  Hardin's  lifeless  remains  shall  be  arrayed  with  life  and 
clad  with  glory. 

"  Several  times,  Colonel  Hardin  came  near  losing  his  life.  Once, 
in  the  forest,  his  piece  was  discharged  accidentally,  and  the  ball 
lodged  near  the  brain — but  his  time  was  not  yet  come.  Again,  he 
was  on  the  « Princeton'  when  the  catastrophe  occurred  that  sent 
mourning  into  so  many  distinguished  families — but  there  was  other 
work  for  him  to  do.  Providence  reserved  him  to  die  at  Buena  Vista, 
in  one  of  the  most  eventful  and  honourable  victories  ever  vouchsafed 
to  our  arms. 

"  Gentlemen  of  the  volunteers,  be  pleased  to  convey  our  sympa 
thies  to  your  fellow-citizens,  who  mourn  with  us  your  loss.  Be 
pleased  to  convey  our  tender  regards  to  the  widow  and  the  orphans 
of  him  who  fell  so  nobly.  Bid  them  dry  their  tears  while  they  think 
upon  the  past  virtues  and  the  present  blessedness  of  him  they  once 
called  husband  and  father.  While  the  *  name  of  the  wicked  shall 
rot,'  *  the  memory  of  the  just  is  blessed,'  and  *  the  righteous  shall 
be  in  everlasting  remembrance.' 

"  Colonel  Benton  then  addressed  the  volunteers. 

"  Colonel  Benton  said  he  was  in  a  situation  at  the  time  to  witness 
all  the  anxiety  of  the  public  feeling  at  the  impending  shock  between 
the  unequal  numbers  at  Buena  Vista.  He  was  at  Washington  city, 
and  saw  the  feeling  of  every  body,  from  the  President  to  the  hum 
blest  individual  that  walked  the  street.  It  was  the  absorbing  subject 
between  every  two  that  met ;  and  the  anxiety  of  the  whole  popula 
tion  for  the  fate  of  the  small  band  of  fresh  troops  who  were  to  receive 
the  shock  of  four  times  their  number  of  veterans  amounted  to  an 
agony  !  At  last  the  glorious  news  came  of  a  great  and  almost  un 
paralleled  victory.  At  first,  the  feeling  of  joy,  gratitude  and  thank 
fulness,  broke  out :  quickly  a  mournful  feeling  succeeded,  in  read 
ing  over  the  long  list  of  the  fallen.  At  every  name  there  was  a 
pause,  to  reflect  upon  the  virtues  and  the  fate  of  the  dead — to  sym 
pathize  with  the  sorrows  and  bereavements  of  families.  The  western 
were  among  the  states  to  share  most  largely  the  honours  and  the 
sorrows  of  that  day.  Our  sister  state  of  Illinois  comes  in  for  a  large 


228  COLONEL   HARDIN. 

share  of  both.  Before  us  lie  the  bodies  of  two  of  her  sons,  Colonel 
Hardin  and  Lieutenant  Houghton,  both  fallen  on  the  field  of  honour 
— both  now  borne  home  to  receive  the  honours  of  sepulture  among 
their  friends,  families  and  countrymen.  The  brave,  lamented,  and 
beloved  Hardin  lies  there !  (pointing  to  the  catafalque.)  His  re 
mains  are  stopped  here,  with  those  of  his  brave  associate  in  death, 
to  receive  the  voluntary  tribute  of  respect  in  a  state  which  is  not 
theirs  either  by  birth  or  adoption ;  but  Missouri  claims  the  privilege 
of  joining  her  sister  Illinois  in  these  mournful,  but  grateful  offices, 
to  the  patriotic  dead,  and  to  the  no  less  patriotic  survivors  who  bring 
home  their  remains.  The  city  of  St.  Louis  this  day  acts  for  the 
state  of  Missouri ;  she  represents  the  feelings  of  the  whole  state  in 
having  claimed  the  brief  possession  of  these  inanimate  remains,  ac 
companied  by  their  affectionate  survivors,  while  she  should  pay  to 
them  the  tribute  of  respect  and  affection. 

"  Colonel  Benton  said  the  reverend  gentleman,  (Mr.  Van  Court,) 
to  whom  it  so  appropriately  belonged  to  be  the  principal  speaker  on 
this  occasion  of  devotion  and  pious  feeling,  and  who  had  so  well 
fulfilled  his  office,  had  well  described  the  character  of  the  lamented 
Hardin,  cut  down  in  the  meridian  of  his  day,  and  taken  so  early 
from  an  affectionate  family.  He  could  add  the  eulogium  of  his 
early  friends  and  acquaintances;  for  he  had  heard  the  voice  of 
Kentucky  mourning  over  his  death,  as  he  passed  through  that  state. 
His  name  was  added  to  those  of  her  other  sons  that  she  had  lost, 
and  universal  was  the  language  of  encomium  upon  his  character 
and  regret  for  his  loss.  Mourned  and  honoured  in  Kentucky  his 
native  state — to  receive  honours  and  tears  of  affection  in  his  adopted 
state — he  now  receives  from  the  state  of  Missouri,  in  this  sponta 
neous  act  of  respect  from  the  citizens  of  St.  Louis,  the  highest  de 
gree  of  esteem  and  affection  which  the  brevity  of  the  occasion  per 
mits  her  to  give." 

"  The  ceremonies  of  the  rotunda  being  at  an  end,  the  procession 
was  again  formed,  and  the  remains  escorted  to  the  steamer  '  Defi 
ance,'  from  which  they  will  be  debarked  at  Meredosia,  and  taken 
to  Jacksonville." 

The  New  Orleans  Delta  has  the  following  remarks  on  the  con 
duct  of  the  Illinoians  in  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista. 

••  We  have  had  occasion  before  to  express  our  high  admiration  of 
the  promptitude  and  readiness  of  the  Illinoians,  in  obeying  the  call 


HARDIN   AT  BUENA   VISTA.  229 

of  the  government  to  rally  in  defence  of  our  national  flag,  and  of 
their  gallantry  and  conduct  on  the  field  of  battle.  No  state  has  fur 
nished  so  large  a  quota  of  troops  for  this  war,  nor  has  any  state  been 
so  largely  represented  in  the  great  battles  which  have  shed  so  much 
lustre  upon  the  name  and  history  of  the  citizen  soldiery  of  the 
United  States.  Of  the  four  regiments  of  Illinoians  in  the  field,  each 
has  had  the  good  fortune  to  share  in  the  two  great  battles  of  Buena 
Vista  and  Cerro  Gordo.  In  the  latter,  the  regiments  of  Baker  and 
Forman  led  the  assault  on  the  well-defended  and  covered  works  of 
the  enemy ;  and  when  they  had  carried  them,  were  foremost  in  the 
pursuit  of  Santa  Anna's  retreating  squadrons.  It  is  said  that  on 
this  occasion  the  superior  bodily  vigour  and  fleetness  of  the  hardy 
boys  of  the  prairies,  were  fully  proved  by  their  passing  all  the  other 
soldiers  in  the  race,  and  being  the  first  who  were  *  in  at  the  death' 
in  this  exciting  chase. 

"At  Buena  Vista,  Hardin's  and  BisselFs  regiments  bore  for  some 
time,  and  with  the  most  heroic  steadiness,  the  whole  brunt  of  the 
Mexican  charge.  The  1st  regiment  acted  in  concert  with  the  Ken- 
tuckians,  and  shared  in  the  glory  and  loss  of  that  fatal  charge 
against  the  main  body  of  the  Mexican  army,  in  which  such  prodi 
gies  of  valour  were  performed  by  our  volunteer  soldiers,  and  so 
many  of  our  officers  fell  « with  their  faces  to  the  foe.'  It  was  in 
this  charge  that  Hardin  received  his  death  wound.  His  impetuous 
daring,  and  that  of  the  noble  Clay,  had  suggested  the  charge.  The 
cooler  courage  of  Colonel  McKee  doubted  the  prudence  of  such  a 
move.  *  Oh,'  replied  Hardin,  *  we  have  but  one  life  to  give  our 
country — let  us  at  them.'  McKee  gave  the  order,  and  gallantly 
was  it  executed ;  but  unfortunately,  the  enemy  had  so  strengthened 
his  force,  that  the  charge  of  our  small  and  already  much  fatigued 
regiments  was  met  by  a  force  of  five  or  six  thousand  infantry,  and 
a  whole  brigade  of  cavalry.  Our  troops  stood  their  charge  until 
their  officers  were  shot  down,  and  their  ranks  were  so  thin  that  it 
seemed  like  courting  death  and  destruction  to  maintain  their  position 
any  longer. 

"  This  much  of  the  first  regiment,  whose  paeans  have  been  sung 
by  the  whole  nation,  and  the  memory  of  the  gallant  colonel  is  em 
balmed  in  the  hearts  of  the  people." 

The  annexed  beautiful  lines  will  be  read  with  mournful  interest 
They  were  written  a  few  years  since,  by  Colonel  Hardin,  while  in 
20 


230  COLONEL   HARDIN. 

Washington  city,  and  enclosed  in  a  letter  to  his  wife.  It  is  some 
little  satisfaction  to  reflect,  that  his  burning  desire  was  granted — 
that  he  was  buried  at  home,  where  "  birds  may  sing  and  friends  are 

nigh." 

"Bury  me  not,  when  I  am  dead, 

Amidst  the  city's  glare — 
Where  thoughtless,  careless  mortals  tread, 
And  wealth  and  misery  are  wedj 
Oh !  bury  me  not  there. 

"  Bury  me  not,  when  I'm  no  more, 
High  on  the  mountain  bare — 
Where  nought  but  eagles  o'er  it  soar — 
And  storms  and  tempests  round  it  roar  j 
Oh!  bury  me  not  there. 

"  Bury  me  not,  when  I'm  at  rest, 

Where  martial  pennons  glare — 
For  empty  show  and  gorgeous  crest 
Can  never  soothe  an  icy  breast; 

Then  bury  me  not  there 

"Bury  me  not,  when  I  shall  sleep, 

By  ocean's  rocky  lair ; 
Where  winds  and  waves  their  vigils  keep 
And  ever  moans  the  restless  deep — 
Oh!  bury  me  not  there. 

*  Bury  me  not,  when  I  am  gone, 

In  boundless  prairies,  where 
The  buried  dead  are  left  alone, 
Unmarked  save  by  a  cold  grave  stone — 

Oh !  bury  me  not  there. 

"  But  bury  me,  when  I  shall  die, 

'Midst  woods  and  flowers  rare ; 
When  o'er  my  grave  the  winds  may  sigh, 
The  birds  may  sing,  and  friends  are  nigh, 

Oh !  bury  me  then  there. 


V7 

COLONEL   HENRY  CLAY. 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  HENRY  CLAY. 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  HENRY  CLAY,  second  son  of  the  Honour 
able  Henry  Clay,  was  a  regular  graduate  of  West  Point,  in  which 
institution  he  was  ever  among  the  first  of  his  class.  He  afterwards 
left  the  army,  and  travelled  through  Europe.  On  his  return  he  was 
elected  to  the  Kentucky  Legislature,  where  he  remained  for  some 
years.  In  the  meanwhile,  he  married  and  settled  upon  a  farm,  not 
far  from  his  father's.  After  leaving  the  Legislature,  he  practised 
law  with  great  success;  but  was  doomed  to  experience  a  heavy 
calamity,  in  the  loss  of  his  accomplished  wife,  the  favourite  of  her 
father-in-law.  He  continued,  however,  in  the  legal  profession,  until 
a  commission  was  offered  him  as  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  newly- 
raised  Kentucky  rifles.  He  eagerly  accepted  it,  and  went  forth  for 
Mexico  never  to  return. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Clay  was  killed  in  a  ravine,  while  pursuing 
the  enemy's  cavalry  after  their  last  charge.  Led  by  himself  and 
McKee,  the  Kentucky  regiment  maintained  the  pursuit,  until  they 
had  got  completely  beyond  the  assistance  of  their  comrades.  At 
this  moment,  the  lancers  turned  with  the  suddenness  of  lightning, 
and  charged  them,  while  broken  and  scattered  by  a  rocky  ravine. 
The  ensuing  battle  was  terrible  ;  and  nothing  but  a  section  of  Wash 
ington's  battery  saved  that  handful  of  devoted  men  from  entire  de 
struction.  Young  Clay  was  shot  through  the  thigh,  and  being  un 
able  to  walk,  was  taken  up  and  carried  some  distance  by  his  men ; 
but  owing  to  the  steepness  of  the  hill,  and  the  advance  of  the  enemy, 
the  gallant  lieutenant-colonel  begged  them  to  leave  him  and  save 
themselves.  Still,  with  fraternal  care  they  bore  him  on,  until  the 
whole  Mexican  army  were  almost  upon  them.  When  last  seen,  he 

(231) 


232  LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   HENRY   CLAY. 

was  lying  on  his  back,  fighting  the  enemy  with  his  sword,  while 
they  were  stabbing  him  with  their  bayonets. 

The  letter  of  General  Taylor  to  Henry  Clay,  announcing  the 
untimely  event,  has  already  been  given.  The  general  thus  speaks 
of  him  in  the  official  despatch.  "No  loss  falls  more  heavily  upon 
the  army  in  the  field,  than  that  of  Colonels  Hardin  and  McKee,  and 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Clay.  Possessing  in  a  remarkable  degree  the 
confidence  of  their  commands,  and  the  last  two  having  enjoyed  the 
advantage  of  a  military  education,  I  had  looked  particularly  to  them 
for  support  in  case  we  met  the  enemy.  I  need  not  say  that  their 
zeal  in  engaging  the  enemy,  and  the  cool  and  steadfast  courage  with 
which  they  maintained  their  positions  during  the  day,  fully  realized 
my  hopes,  and  caused  me  to  feel  yet  more  sensibly  their  untimely 
loss."  A  similar  commendation  was  bestowed  by  General  Wool. 


COLONEL  YELL. 


COLONEL  YELL  was  born  in  Kentucky  in  1797,  and  with  his 
father's  family  early  emigrated  to  Tennessee.  In  1813,  being  then 
but  sixteen  years  of  age,  he  enlisted  at  his  country's  call,  and  rushed 
to  the  side  of  the  immortal  Jackson.  After  assisting  in  the  taking 
of  Pensacola,  he  accompanied  his  brigade  to  New  Orleans,  and 
there,  on  the  ever-memorable  Eighth,  he  distinguished  himself  for 
bravery  and  patriotism.  In  1818,  when  volunteers  were  required 
for  the  Seminole  war,  Colonel  Yell  was  among  the  first  to  offer  his 
services ;  he  raised  a  company  and  was  chosen  captain,  and  during 
the  campaign,  it  is  said  of  him,  "  wherever  the  danger  was  greatest, 
there  he  was."  Between  that  time  and  1827,  when  he  was  elected 
to  the  legislature  of  Tennessee,  he  finished  his  education,  and  was 
admitted  to  the  practice  of  law.  He  was  loved  by  General  Jackson 
for  his  many  noble  qualities,  and  received  from  him  many  evidences 
of  his  confidence. 

In  1832  he  was  appointed  receiver  of  public  moneys,  and  re 
moved  to  Arkansas,  but  soon  after  resigned.  He  was  then  appointed 
judge  of  one  of  the  district  courts  of  Arkansas,  and  was  distinguished 
for  his  firmness  and  impartiality,  his  quickness  to  perceive  the  right 
and  to  detect  the  wrong.  When  the  state  constitution  was  formed, 
he  was  elected  to  congress,  and  the  people  being  well  pleased  with 
his  services,  continued  him  there  until  1842,  when  he  was  chosen 
governor  of  the  state  by  a  large  majority  ;  but  in  1844  he  resigned, 
and  again  became  a  candidate  for  congress.  He  was  signally  dis 
tinguished  in  the  great  canvass  of  1844,  and  was  triumphantly 
elected.  The  present  war  commenced,  however,  before  his  term  of 
office  expired,  and  with  the  true  spirit  of  the  soldier  he  returned  to 
Arkansas,  and  placed  himself  at  the  head  of  her  patriotic  volunteers, 
20*  L*  (233) 


234  COLONEL   YELL. 

and  there,  in  the  hard-fought  field  of  Buena  Vista,  he  offered  up 
his  life  to  his  country. 

During  the  hottest  of  the  battle,  a  large  body  of  the  enemy  were 
observed  concentrating  on  the  American  left,  preparatory  to  a  de 
scent  upon  the  hacienda  of  Buena  Vista,  where  the  train  and  baggage 
were  deposited.  At  this  place  were  the  Kentucky  and  Arkansas 
cavalry,  under  Colonels  Marshall  and  Yell.  General  Taylor  de 
tached  a  party  to  their  assistance,  but  before  it  could  arrive  the 
Mexicans  had  commenced  an  attack.  The  shock  broke  the  enemy's 
column,  and  one  portion  swept  by  the  depot,  exposed  to  a  destruc 
tive  fire  from  a  small  infantry  force,  while  the  other  regained  the 
base  of  the  mountain  on  the  American  left.  At  the  moment  of  the 
charge,  Colonel  Yell  received  a  lance  in  his  mouth,  which  tore  off 
the  lower  jaw  and  one  side  of  the  face,  thus  causing  his  death  while 
in  the  very  moment  of  victory. 


MAJOR  BROWN. 


THE  remembrance  of  one,  the  loss  of  whom  a  commander  like 
General  Taylor  pronounced  -irreparable,  will  ever  be  cherished  by 
the  nation  as  one  of  her  proudest  legacies.  No  nobler  heart  than 
Major  Brown's  ever  throbbed  out  its  life-blood,  an  offering  to  pa 
triotism. 

Jacob  Brown  was  born  in  New  England  about  the  year  1787  or 
1788.  He  enlisted  in  the  infantry  as  a  common  soldier  in  1812, 
and  before  the  close  of  the  war  rose  to  a  lieutenancy.  He  was  in 
all  the  battles  on  the  Niagara  frontier,  where  he  not  only  behaved 
with  skill  and  courage,  but  won  the  approbation  of  his  superiors. 

After  the  war,  Lieutenant  Brown  remained  in  the  army,  and  his 
character  becoming  known  to  government,  he  was  frequently  em 
ployed  in  offices  of  trust  and  importance.  At  one  time  he  was 
stationed  at  Council  Bluffs,  as  commissary  of  subsistence;  after 
wards  he  was  ordered  to  Arkansas,  and  subsequently  to  St.  Louis, 
as  quartermaster  of  the  war  department.  Like  most  of  our  officers 
he  experienced  the  trials  and  mortifications  of  the  Florida  cam 
paigns,  in  which  he  was  in  continual  service ;  and,  like  too  many 
who  there  toiled  and  suffered,  his  deeds  have  been  allowed  to  slum 
ber  in  forgetfulness.  At  the  time  of  his  joining  the  "Corps  of  Ob 
servation"  he  had  risen  to  the  grade  of  major,  which  he  held  at  the 
time  of  his  death. 

When  General  Taylor  left  the  river  fort  [May  1]  to  march  for 
Point  Isabel,  he  appointed  Major  Brown  as  commandant,  with  the 
7th  regiment  of  infantry,  and  the  artillery  companies  of  Bragg  and 
Loud,  the  whole  numbering  about  six  hundred  men.  His  orders 
were  not  to  make  any  sally,  and,  if  surrounded,  to  fire  eighteen- 
pounders,  at  regular  intervals,  in  order  to  apprize  General  Taylor 
of  his  condition. 
(235) 


236  MAJOR   BROWN. 

During  the  whole  of  the  2d,  the  garrison  continued  to  labour 
upon  the  fortifications,  unmolested ;  but,  on  the  3d,  all  the  batteries 
in  Matamoras  opened  upon  the  fort,  and  continued  until  night.  On 
the  evening  of  the  following  day,  the  Mexicans  crossed  the  river, 
spread  themselves  around  the  fort,  and  erected  a  new  battery  in  a 
neighbouring  field.  A  combined  assault  was  thus  made  on  the  5th, 
which  continued  with  but  little  interruption  until  Taylor's  return. 
Several  demonstrations  for  assault  were  made  by  both  infantry  and 
cavalry.  On  the  6th,  Major  Brown  ordered  his  men  to  stop  firing, 
in  consequence  of  the  scarcity  of  ammunition.  In  the  afternoon  he 
walked  as  usual  around  the  fort  to  see  that  every  man  was  at  his 
post.  So  thick  were  the  balls  showered  from  the  Mexican  batteries, 
that  the  Americans  were  obliged  constantly  to  dodge  or  fall  down. 
While  the  major  was  conversing  with  a  soldier,  a  shell  struck 
the  parapet  near  by,  and  glancing  off,  exploded  in  the  ground,  scat 
tering  clouds  of  dust  and  stones  around,  and  mortally  wounding  the 
commandant.  His  men  rushed  toward  him,  but  requesting  them  to 
resume  their  posts,  he  remained  composed  until  proper  assistance 
could  be  obtained.  His  right  leg  was  torn  off,  and  he  suffered  in 
describable  agony;  yet,  perfectly  serene,  he  ordered  the  troops 
to  be  kept  at  duty,  and  expressed  his  satisfaction  that  the  misfortune 
had  not  befallen  a  younger  man.  The  command  devolved  on  Cap 
tain  Hawkins. 

Major  Brown  lingered  until  the  9th.  Soldiers  wept  over  his 
corpse  as  over  that  of  a  friend ;  and  when  the  hero  of  Palo  Alto 
beheld  the  wreck  created  in  his  absence,  a  tear  of  bitter  agony 
was  seen  to  course  down  his  cheek.  Besides  the  army  and  the 
country,  a  wife  and  two  daughters  were  left  to  lament  the  sacrifice. 

When  news  of  the  event  reached  Little  Rock,  where  he  formerly 
dwelt,  a  public  meeting  was  convened,  at  which  the  following  reso 
lutions  were  passed : — 

"  Resolved,  That  in  the  midst  of  the  rejoicings  occasioned  by  the 
victories  achieved  by  the  Army  of  Occupation  under  the  command 
of  General  Taylor,  we  grieve  for  the  loss  of  many  brave  officers  in 
the  American  army ;  and  among  the  number  of  the  slain,  we  have 
to  deplore  the  loss  of  Major  JACOB  BROWN,  of  the  7th  regiment  of 
infantry,  for  many  years  associated  and  known  in  this  communitv 
as  a  faithful,  honest,  and  efficient  public  officer. 


MAJOR   BROWN.  237 

"  Resolved,  That  our  sorrow  for  his  untimely  loss  to  the  army 
and  to  the  country,  is  consoled  by  the  manner  of  his  death,  in  the 
service  of  his  country,  by  the  hand  of  the  enemy,  on  the  field  of 
battle,  and  in  the  hour  of  victory. 

"  Resolved,  That  we  desire  in  this  public  and  solemn  manner  to 
testify  our  regard  and  esteem  for  the  private  virtues  and  personal 
worth  of  the  deceased  soldier,  while  he  was  associated  with  us,  our 
admiration  of  his  public  services  in  peace  and  in  war,  and  our  deep 
sense  of  the  crowning  sacrifice  of  his  life,  that  endears  his  memory 
to  his  countrymen. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  proceedings  of  this  meeting  be  signed  by 
the  chairman  and  secretary,  and  that  the  papers  of  the  city,  and 
throughout  the  state,  be  requested  to  publish  them ;  and  that  a  copy 
thereof  be  made  out  by  the  secretary  of  this  meeting,  and  trans 
mitted  to  the  family  of  the  deceased." 

Similar  testimonials  were  voted  in  other  parts  of  the  Union. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  0.  BUTLER. 


GENERAL  BUTLER  is  the  second  son  of  Percival  Butler,  an  officer 
of  the  Revolution.  He  acted  as  a  volunteer  in  General  Winchester's 
army  during  the  war  of  1812,  and  was  captured  at  the  river  Raisin. 
When  exchanged,  he  fought  under  General  Jackson  in  the  actions 
of  December  23d,  1814,  and  January  8th,  1815.  After  the  return 
of  peace,  he  practised  law,  until  June  29th,  1846,  when  he  was 
appointed  Major-General,  and  sent  to  Mexico.  He  speaks  thus  of 
his  services  at  Monterey: — 

"  Pursuant  to  the  instructions  of  the  major-general  commanding, 
on  the  21st  instant,  at  about  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.,  I  marched  my 
division,  (with  the  exception  of  one  company  from  each  infantry  re 
giment,  left  to  guard  the  camp,)  and  placed  it  in  order  of  battle, 
under  cover,  immediately  in  rear  of  the  mortar  and  howitzer  bat 
tery,  my  left  resting  on  the  main  road  to  Monterey.  I  had  been  in 
position  but  a  short  time,  when  I  received  the  general's  further  or 
ders  to  move  as  speedily  as  practicable,  with  three  regiments,  to  the 
support  of  General  Twiggs'  division,  then  engaged  in  an  attempt  to 
carry  the  enemy's  first  battery  on  our  left.  To  expedite  this  move 
ment,  I  marched  the  three  nearest  regiments,  commanded  respec 
tively  by  Colonels  Davis,  Campbell,  and  Mitchell,  by  the  left  flank, 
leaving  Colonel  Ormsby  to  sustain  the  batteries.  Finding  the  rifle 
regiment  in  front,  that  of  Colonel  Campbell  was  ordered  to  take  its 
place.  The  two  last-mentioned  regiments  constituting  General 
Gluitman's  field  brigade,  he  took  the  immediate  command  of  them, 
and  moved  oflf  with  spirit  and  promptness  in  the  direction  indicated 
by  the  enemy's  line  of  fire.  Having  seen  General  Gluitman's 
brigade  fairly  in  motion,  I  turned  my  attention  to  that  of  General 
Hamer,  now  consisting  of  the  Ohio  regiment  only.  Pursuing  the 
instructions  of  the  major-general,  I  felt  my  way  gradually,  without 
any  knowledge  of  the  localities,  into  that  part  of  the  city  bordering 
on  the  enemy's  continuous  line  of  batteries,  assailed  at  every  step 
by  heavy  fires  in  front  and  flank.  After  having  traversed  several 
(238) 


GENERAL  BUTLER. 


MAJOR-GENERAL   WILLIAM   O.   BUTLER.  239 

squares,  I  met  Major  Mansfield,  the  engineer  who  had  conducted 
the  movement  of  General  Twiggs'  division  on  the  first  battery.  He 
informed  me  of  the  failure  of  that  attack,  and  advised  the  withdrawal 
of  my  command,  as  there  could  no  longer  be  any  object  in  advanc 
ing  further,  warning  me  at  the  same  time  that  if  I  advanced  I  must 
meet  a  fire  that  would  sweep  all  before  it.  Knowing  the  major- 
general  commanding  to  be  but  a  short  distance  in  the  rear,  I  gal 
loped  back  and  communicated  this  information,  in  consequence  of 
which  he  gave  the  order  to  retrograde,  and  the  movement  was  com 
menced  accordingly.  In  a  short  time,  however,  it  was  known  that 
General  Quitman's  brigade  had  not  only  stormed  the  battery  in 
question,  but  had  also  carried  a  stone  house  of  considerable  strength 
connected  with  the  first,  and  occupied  by  the  enemy's  infantry. 
The  direction  of  General  Hamer's  brigade  was  at  once  changed, 
and  the  city  re-entered  by  another  route,  which,  after  about  a  half 
hour's  march  under  a  destructive  fire,  brought  it  within,  say  one 
hundred  yards,  of  the  enemy's  second  fort,  called  El  Diablo.  A 
very  slight  reconnoissance  sufficed  to  convince  me  that  this  was  a 
position  of  no  ordinary  strength.  Still,  feeling  its  importance,  after 
consulting  with  part  of  my  staff  as  to  its  practicability,  I  had  resolv 
ed  to  attempt  carrying  it  by  storm,  and  was  in  the  act  of  directing 
the  advance,  when  I  received  a  wound  which  compelled  me  to  halt. 
Colonel  Mitchell  was  at  the  same  time  wounded  at  the  head  of  his 
regiment,  as  was  his  adjutant.  The  men  were  falling  fast  under 
the  converging  fire  of  at  least  three  distinct  batteries,  that  continu 
ally  swept  the  intervening  space  through  which  it  was  necessary  to 
pass.  The  loss  of  blood,  too,  from  my  wound,  rendered  it  neces 
sary  that  I  should  quit  the  field ;  and  I  had  discovered  at  a  second 
glance  that  the  position  was  covered  by  a  heavy  fire  of  musketry 
from  other  works  directly  in  its  rear,  that  I  had  not  seen  in  the  first 
hasty  examination.  Under  all  these  discouragements,  I  was  most 
reluctantly  compelled,  on  surrendering  the  command,  to  advise  the 
withdrawal  of  the  troops  to  a  less  exposed  position.  There  is  a 
possibility  that  the  work  might  have  been  carried,  but  not  without 
excessive  loss,  and  if  carried,  I  feel  assured  it  would  have  been  un 
tenable. 

"  Accordingly,  the  division  under  General  Hamer,  on  whom  de 
volved  the  command,  moved  to  a  new  position  near  the  captured 
fort,  and  within  sustaining  distance  of  our  field  batteries  on  the  left. 


240  MAJOR-GENERAL   WILLIAM   O.    BUTLER. 

The  troops  remained  in  and  near  this  position,  and  under  fire  of  the 
enemy's  batteries,  until  4ate  in  the  day.  For  the  details  of  the  after 
proceedings  of  the  day,  I  refer  to  General  Hamer's  report. 

"  It  is  with  no  little  pride  and  gratification  that  I  bear  testimony 
of  the  gallantry  and  good  conduct  of  my  command.  Were  proof 
wanting,  a  mournful  one  is  to  be  found  in  the  subjoined  return  of 
the  casualties  of  the  day.  That  part  of  my  division  properly  in 
the  field  did  not  exceed  eleven  hundred,  of  which  number  full  one- 
fifth  were  either  killed  or  wounded.  The  fact  that  troops  for  the 
first  time  under  fire  should  have  suffered  such  loss  without  shrink 
ing,  in  a  continuous  struggle  for  more  than  two  hours,  and  mainly 
against  a  sheltered  and  inaccessible  foe,  finds  but  few  parallels,  and 
is  of  itself  an  eulogium  to  which  I  need  not  add.  That  there  were 
some  more  prominent  for  skill  and  gallantry  than  others,  even  in  a 
contest  where  all  were  brave,  there  can  be  no  doubt ;  and  I  leave 
to  those  better  qualified  from  their  situations  than  myself  the  pleas 
ing  though  delicate  task  of  reporting  upon  their  respective  merits. 

"  Of  my  brigadiers,  however,  it  is  proper  that  I  should  myself 
speak.  General  Hamer  was  placed  in  a  situation  where  nothing 
brilliant  could  be  achieved,  but  which,  at  every  moment,  impera 
tively  demanded  prudence  and  calm  unbending  courage.  It  is  but 
justice  to  him  to  say  that  I  found  him  equal  to  the  emergency. 

"  General  Gluitman  had  before  him  a  field  in  which  military 
genius  and  skill  were  called  into  requisition,  and  honours  could  be 
fairly  won,  and  I  but  echo  the  general  voice  in  saying  that  he  nobly 
availed  himself  of  the  occasion. 

"  My  special  thanks  are  due  to  Major  L.  Thomas,  assistant  adju 
tant-general,  General  A.  Sidney  Johnston,  of  Texas,  acting  inspec 
tor-general,  and  Lieutenant  G.  W.  Lay,  aid-de-camp,  who  not  only 
displayed  great  gallantry  and  coolness,  but,  by  their  professional 
skill,  activity,  and  energy,  rendered  valuable  service  throughout  the 
action.  After  my  withdrawal  they  remained  with  the  troops  in  the 
field. 

"  Surgeon  R.  P.  Hunt,  my  volunteer  aid-de-camp,  also  evinced 
great  coolness,  and  conveyed  promptly  the  orders  confided  to  him. 

"  On  my  way  back  to  camp,  I  found  the  Kentucky  regiment, 
under  the  command  of  Colonel  Ormsby,  drawn  up  in  fine  order  to 
repel  a  threatened  charge  from  a  large  body  of  Mexican  cavalry 
then  in  view.  Though  necessarily  kept  from  the  field  of  action 


MAJOR-GENERAL   WILLIAM    O.   BUTLER.  241 

proper,  they  occupied  a  most  important  position,  and  had  two  men 
wounded  in  defending  it. 

"  I  make  no  mention  of  the  movement  of  Captain  Webster's 
howitzer  battery,  which  was  withdrawn  from  division  and  placed 
under  charge  of  the  chief  of  artillery." 

The  following  letter  from  General  Butler,  to  a  relative  in  Louis 
ville,  gives  some  interesting  details  of  his  personal  experience  :  — 

"  Monterey  is  ours,  but  not  without  a  heavy  loss,  and  my  division 
has  probably  sustained  more  than  one  half  of  it.  I  am  myself 
wounded,  but  not  badly.  I  was  struck  by  a  musket  ball  below  the 
knee ;  it  entered  in  front,  grazed  the  bones  without  injuring  them, 
ranged  round  through  the  flesh,  and  came  out  on  the  opposite  side. 

"I  became  faint  from  loss  of  blood,  and  was  compelled  to  leave 
the  field,  after  having  been  in  it  under  a  heavy  fire  of  grape  and 
musketry  for  three  hours. — I  have  been  required  by  my  surgeon  to 
keep  perfectly  still,  ever  since  the  battle. 

"I  was  in  the  act  of  leading  the  Ohio  regiment  to  storm  two  of 
the  most  formidable  batteries  in  the  town,  flanked  by  a  stone  wall, 
ten  feet  high,  with  a  deep  ditch  in  front,  and  covered  by  a  strong 
musketry  force  in  the  rear,  under  complete  shelter.  There  were 
two  other  batteries  of  grape  shot  discharged,  that  swept  the  ground 
continually. 

"  Colonel  Mitchell,  who  commanded  the  regiment  of  Ohio  volun 
teers,  was  wounded  about  the  same  time  that  I  was,  and  we  then 
prudently  abandoned  the  enterprise,  as  we  became  convinced  that 
our  loss  would  have  been  probably  at  least  one  hundred  more  men, 
had  we  persevered. 

"  I  hope  you  will  not  think  I  acted  rashly.  I  know  that  I  am 
often  rash  where  I  involve  myself  alone ;  not  so,  however,  when 
the  fates  of  others  are  at  stake. 

"  The  condition  in  which  we  were  placed  fully  justified,  if  it  did 
not  positively  require  us  to  make  the  attempt.  The  peculiarity  of 
our  situation  I  cannot  now  explain,  without  going  into  greater  detail 
than  I  am  able  to  do. 

"  The  battle  commenced  about  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.,  and  continued 
without  intermission,  with  various  degrees  of  intensity,  for  eight 
hours. 

"  I  had  almost  one  thousand  men  in  the  battle,  (the  Louisville 
21 


242  MAJOR-GENERAL   WILLIAM   O.    BUTLER. 

Legion  having  been  left  to  guard  our  mortars),  and  of  that  number 
we  lost  in  killed  and  wounded  about  two  hundred  and  fifty. 

"  We  took  one  battery  and  a  house  fitted  up  as  a  fortification,  and 
assisted  the  regulars  in  taking  a  second.  General  Worth,  with  great 
gallantry  and  equal  success,  and  with  far  less  loss,  carried  on  his 
operations  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  town. 

"  The  loss  of  the  regulars,  who  acted  with  us,  was  nearly  pro 
portional  to  ours  as  I  learn,  though  I  have  not  seen  the  official 
returns. 

"Under  all  the  circumstances,  the  terms  of  the  capitulation  are 
favourable  to  us.  There  are  still  several  strong  forts  in  the  hands 
of  the  enemy,  which  we  would  have  been  compelled  to  take  by 
regular  approaches  or  with  heavy  losses.  The  plaza  is  of  itself 
an  enormous  fortification  of  continuous  houses,  with  thick  stone 
walls,  and  all  the  streets  leading  into  it  strongly  fortified  and  filled 
with  guns. 

"  They  admit  that  they  will  have  at  least  eight  thousand  fighting 
men,  whilst  on  our  part  we  cannot  muster  five  thousand  for  duty, 
and  have  only  a  few  heavy  guns,  and  those  we  took  from  them. 

"  Never,  I  believe,  did  troops,  both  volunteers  and  regulars,  behave 
with  more  calmness  and  intrepidity,  and  I  do  not  believe  that  for 
downright,  straight-forward,  hard  fighting,  the  battle  of  Monterey  has 
ever  been  surpassed." 

Soon  after  the  assault,  General  Butler  returned  to  the  United 
States,  which  prevented  his  participation  in  the  battle  of  Buena 
Vista,  or  the  subsequent  operations  of  General  Scott. 


;db  axfi 


LIEUTENANT  J   E.  BLAKE. 


ONE  of  the  best  eulogies  ever  pronounced  on  this  lamented  officer 
is  contained  in  a  letter  written  by  General  Worth,  in  which  he  says, 
"  You  will  probably  by  this  mail  hear  of  the  loss  of  that  gallant 
ornament  and  devoted  member  of  the  Topographical  Corps,  my 
warmly-cherished  friend,  Blake.  The  manner  adds  poignancy  to 
our  sorrows.  Had  he  fallen  in  the  conflict  in  which,  by  all  accounts, 
he  had  especially  distinguished  himself,  regrets  would  have  been 
turned  into  envy.  After  the  battle,  on  casting  aside  his  weapons, 
one  of  his  pistols  accidentally  discharged,  and  gave  him  a  mortal 
wound.  Knowing  and  valuing  him  as  I  did,  you  will  readily  con 
ceive  how  I  deplore  his  loss,  both  as  a  gallant  and  true-hearted 
comrade  and  accomplished  friend.  He  has  left  no  better  soldier 
behind." 

Lieutenant  Blake  was  a  native  of  Philadelphia,  where  a  large 
circle  of  friends  now  mourns  his  loss.  His  death  was  occasioned 
in  a  manner  rather  singular.  On  the  morning  of  the  9th,  the  army 
stopped  at  a  watering-place,  where  the  lieutenant  dismounted,  and 
after  expressing  his  gratification  in  view  of  some  rest,  he  threw  his 
pistols  on  the  ground,  preparatory  to  lying  down.  One  of  them  ex 
ploded,  throwing  the  ball  up  through  his  body,  and  he  fell  mortally 
wounded. 

The  celebrated  reconnoissance  of  this  officer  is  thus  described  by 
Captain  Duncan,  of  the  artillery  : — 

"  The  following  brief  account  of  the  daring  reconnoissance  made 
by  the  gallant  and  ill-fated  Blake,  at  Palo  Alto,  cannot  fail  to  be  in 
teresting  to  his  former  commander,  with  whom  he  was  so  long  asso- 
chted,  and  who  properly  estimated  and  appreciated  the  high  quali 
ties  he  possessed  as  a  man  and  a  soldier. 

"  At  Palo  Alto  the  enemy's  line  was  formed  with  his  back  resting 

(243) 


244  LIEUTENANT    INGE. 

on  the  chapparal.  Partly  owing  to  the  bushes  in  which  some  of 
his  troops  were  posted,  but  chiefly  owing  to  our  distance  from  his 
lines,  it  was  impossible  to  ascertain,  with  the  necessary  certainty, 
the  disposition  he  had  made  of  his  different  arms. 

"  To  obtain  the  important  information,  Lieutenant  J.  E.  Blake,  of 
the  Topographical  Corps,  dashed  off  from  the  right  of  our  line  to 
within  musket-shot  of  the  enemy's  left.  Here  he  dismounted,  and 
with  his  field-glass  coolly  counted  the  number  of  men  in  one  of  the 
enemy's  squadrons,  which,  of  course,  enabled  him  accurately  to 
estimate  the  enemy's  entire  cavalry  force.  Lieutenant  Blake  then 
remounted  his  horse,  and  galloped  from  left  to  right  of  the  enemy's 
line,  stopping  from  time  to  time,  and  carefully  observing  the  forma 
tion  and  number  of  his  infantry,  as  well  as  the  position,  number, 
and  calibre  of  his  field  guns,  all  of  which  information  was  fully 
verified  by  the  subsequent  events  of  the  day. 

"  This  appropriate  act  of  personal  gallantry  was  certainly  unsur 
passed  on  either  of  our  glorious  days  ;  and,  in  my  own  estimation, 
it  had  no  superior  in  interest,  among  the  many  it  may  become  the 
phasing  task  for  history  to  record." 


LIEUTENANT  Z.  M.  P.  INGE. 


LIEUTENANT  INGE  was  the  second  man  in  May's  charge  at  Re- 
saca  de  la  Palma,  and  the  first  who  felt.  He  was  born  in  Alabama, 
and  in  1838  graduated  at  West  Point.  At  Palo  Alto,  he  was  in 
defatigable  in  the  discharge  of  duty,  and  won  the  admiration  of  all 
who  witnessed  his  gallant  bearing.  He  was  close  upon  May  when 
the  latter  leaped  the  Mexican  batteries,  and  immediately  turned  to 
wave  on  his  platoon.  At  this  moment  the  Mexicans  opened  their 
batteries,  and  the  intrepid  lieutenant  fell  dead.  Greatly  beloved  by 
the  army,  his  loss  was  mourned  as  that  of  a  brother. 


COLONEL  WATSON. 


'  -t-^'  '"*  -  ^._      •     ^^Jife.f 

. 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  WATSON. 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  W.  H.  WATSON  was  a  native  of  Baltimore, 
a  lawyer  by  profession,  and  the  especial  favourite  of  the  circle  of 
acquaintances  in  which  he  moved.  Like  the  gallant  Ringgold,  he 
fell  in  the  full  blaze  of  victory. 

On  the  night  of  the  20th  of  September,  his  troops  lay  on  their 
arms,  and  arose  early  in  the  morning,  wet  with  heavy  rains,  and  ex 
hausted  by  fatigue  and  fasting.  In  this  condition  they  advanced  to 
the  attack.  Directly  across  their  road  was  a  field  of  corn,  and  as 
the  men  passed  between  the  bending  stalks,  they  knew  not  but  that 
at  each  step  they  would  hear  the  burst  of  the  enemy's  cannon,  or  a 
roar  of  musketry  from  thousands  of  concealed  riflemen.  For  an 
hour  they  toiled  through  weeds  and  brambles,  until  emerging  from 
the  field,  each  soldier  involuntarily  started  to  see  before  him  a  huge 
battery  frowning  with  artillery,  and  lined  with  platoons  of  infantry. 
Its  guns  opened  at  once,  and  the  blood  of  the  youthful  volunteers 
rushed  thrilling  through  their  veins,  as  they  heard  the  whistling  of 
balls,  and  felt  that,  for  the  first  time,  they  were  standing  in  the  march 
of  death.  All  was  confusion  and  uncertainty,  some  were  advancing 
to  assault  the  redoubt,  others  were  marching  a  different  way  to  the 
city.  Suddenly  a  single  horseman  swept  across  the  field,  and  with 
a  voice  that  arose  above  the  peals  of  artillery,  called  the  assailants 
from  their  line.  It  was  Colonel  Watson.  He  dismounted,  and  the 
next  moment  his  noble  steed  reared  high  in  air,  and  fell  dead.  «  Men, 
shelter  yourselves,'  shouted  the  colonel,  and  as  though  by  one  im 
pulse,  each  one  fell  flat  upon  the  ground,  while  around  and  behind 
them  balls  were  falling  like  showers  of  hail.  It  was  a  moment  of 
terror.  The  man  is  brave  who  can  face  an  opposing  army,  even 
when  he  has  the  hurry  of  march  and  resistance  to  excite  him ;  bui 
21  *  M  (245) 


246  LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   WATSON. 

to  ky  inactive  while  thousands  of  balls  from  a  sheltered  foe  are 
ploughing  the  ground  around  you,  is  something  more  than  brave. 

In  a  little  while  the  fire  of  the  enemy  slackened ;  and  taking 
advantage  of  it,  the  colonel  leaped  from  the  ground,  and  called  to 
his  men  to  follow  him.  They  hurried  into  the  city,  and  entered  a 
lane,  apparently  secure  from  the  artillery.  They  had  advanced  a 
little  distance,  when  a  roar  of  cannon,  succeeded  by  another  and 
another,  awakened  them  to  a  knowledge  of  their  fearful  situation. 
Three  full  batteries  glared  upon  them  from  a  distance  of  but  one 
hundred  yards,  raking  the  street  from  one  end  to  the  other,  while 
two  twelve-pounders  opened  upon  them  from  the  castle  in  front,  and 
every  house,  and  every  wall  was  bristling  with  rows  of  musketry. 
All  at  once  this  tremendous  train  opened.  Then  there  was  a  pause, 
and  as  the  echo  rolled  fainter  and  fainter  in  the  distance,  it  was  suc 
ceeded  by  the  startling  tones  of  command,  the  shrieks  of  the  wounded, 
and  the  deep  moans  of  the  dying.  On  the  devoted  line  marched, 
when  a  second  discharge  scattered  their  ranks  like  a  whirlwind,  and 
men  and  horse  leaped  in  the  air,  and  fell  writhing  beneath  the  hur 
rying  feet  of  their  companions.  The  earth  shook  under  this  heavy 
cannonade,  and  the  strong  old  walls  of  Monterey  toppled  as  though 
in  an  earthquake. 

Over  the  space  of  two  hundred  yards  the  soldiers  were  exposed 
to  this  awful  fire,  without  the  possibility  of  resisting  it.  At  length 
they  halted  at  a  cross  street,  and  turned  to  survey  the  line  of  march. 
It  was  a  sickening  spectacle.  Their  track  was  traced  with  blood ; 
and  here  and  there  groups  of  man  and  horse,  dead  and  wounded, 
told  of  the  points  where  they  had  received  the  discharges  of  artil 
lery.  Some  were  calling  piteously  to  their  companions,  others 
raving  in  the  agonies  of  death,  their  last  thrilling  appeals,  ren 
dering  more  awful  than  battle  itself  the  interval  of  death.  Then  the 
artillery  re-commenced,  sweeping  the  whole  street,  and  crossing 
and  re-crossing  at  every  corner.  Each  man  fled  to  a  place  of  safety. 
Some  leaped  into  ditches,  others  fell  flat  upon  the  ground,  a  few 
concealed  themselves  behind  an  old  wall,  and  a  large  number  sat 
down  with  their  backs  against  the  houses.  On  came  the  iron 
showers,  rattling  and  crashing  like  hail,  and  sweeping  soldier  after 
soldier  before  it.  The  dead  and  wounded  were  lying  at  every  spot. 
The  wretch  who  once  fell  had  no  hope ;  ball  after  ball  would  riddle 
him,  until  he  was  torn  to  pieces.  Now  a  cannon-ball  would  strike 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   WATSON.  247 

one,  and  scatter  the  bleeding  fragments  in  every  direction ;  and  the 
next  moment  another  would  start  from  his  bloody  couch,  utter  a 
piercing  shriek,  and  fall  back  dead.  None  that  witnessed  that  ter 
rible  scene  ever  expected  to  escape  unhurt.  How  they  did  is  un 
accountable.  Balls  were  continually  pouring  around,  above  and 
beneath  them  ;  under  the  arms,  through  the  locks  and  clothing,  and 
falling  at  their  feet  after  striking  the  walls  above.  Thus  the  troops 
remained  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  and  then  arose  and  formed,  pre 
paratory  to  making  an  attack  upon  the  fort. 

In  the  march,  Colonel  Watson  became  separated  from  his  men, 
and  soon  after  joined  another  column.  The  battle  was  still  raging, 
but  he  rode  from  rank  to  rank,  cheering  and  encouraging  his  men 
as  calmly  as  though  in  a  parade.  Animated  by  his  example,  they 
forgot  danger  and  weariness,  and  pressed  on  with  alacrity.  A  flush 
of  excitement  —  proud  and  patriotic  —  passed  over  his  cheeks  as 
bending  forward,  he  spurred  his  steed  toward  the  head  of  the  column. 
A  moment  after,  the  same  steed  was  coursing  wildly  through  tho 
street,  and  his  intrepid  rider  lay  cold  in  death.  He  was  shot  in  the 
neck  by  a  musket  ball. 

Thus  fell  the  pride  and  idol  of  the  Baltimore  volunteers,  no  less 
distinguished  for  his  generosity  and  goodness  of  heart,  than  for  his 
bravery  and  chivalry.  Amid  the  well-deserved  praises  bestowed 
upon  the  generals  of  that  assault,  little  mention  is  made  of  his  brave 
battalion,  who  with  himself  enacted  so  conspicuous  a  part ;  but  were 
the  complete  history  of  their  chivalric  struggles  on  that  day  written, 
posterity  would  be  proud  to  award  them  a  share  of  glory  not  infe 
rior  to  any  corps  who  were  battling  with  them. 

On  the  reception  of  the  news  that  he  had  fallen,  the  sons  of  Bal 
timore  hasted  to  bestow  on  his  remains  similar  honours  to  those  con 
ferred  on  Ringgold.  The  legal  and  military  societies  met,  together 
with  the  society  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  adopted  appropriate  expressions 
of  their  sensibility  for  his  loss.  At  a  meeting  of  the  bench  and  bar, 
Judge  Le  Grand  chairman,  John  McMahon  made  the  following 
remarks : 

"  In  the  midst  of  victory,  which  had  shed  a  glory  over  our  coun 
try's  history,  when  the  notes  of  triumph  were  sounding  over  our 
land,  this  hour  we  are  called  upon  to  mourn  the  death  of  a  fellow- 
citizen,  a  member  of  this  bar.  He  had  left  us  with  high  hopes  and 
aspirations  of  the  future,  and  had  yielded  up  his  life  for  his  country's 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   WATSON. 

honour.  We  who  once  knew  him  here,  shall  know  h_m  no  more 
on  earth.  Death  generally  comes  to  us  in  a  different  manner,  with 
weeping  friends  around  ;  but  death  has  come  to  him  in  the  hour  of 
victory.  In  looking  around  among  those  who  were  on  that  battle 
field,  we  recognised  the  names  of  many  members  of  the  bar  in  sister 
states,  who  had  volunteered  their  services  to  uphold  their  country's 
honour.  It  was  not  to  be  expected  that  when  blows  were  to  be 
found  in  the  battle-field,  the  lawyers  would  be  out  of  the  way,  but 
would  be  found  in  their  country's  ranks.  They  are  found  so  always, 
and  always  so  may  they  be  found.  With  feelings  of  mingled  sor 
row  and  exultation,  1  now  move  the  adoption  of  the  following  re 
solutions  : 

"  Resolved,  That  while  we  participate  in  the  joy  that  gladdens 
every  heart  at  the  brilliant  and  triumphant  successes  of  our  coun 
try's  soldiers  in  the  desperate  battles  which  won  the  surrender  of 
Monterey  to  their  courage  and  gallantry,  we  have  heard  with  deep, 
unaffected  sorrow,  that  Baltimore  has  again  to  mourn  another  gal 
lant  son,  in  the  death  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  William  H.  Watson, 
who,  with  his  brave  companions  in  arms,  volunteered  at  the  first  call 
of  his  country,  and  nobly  fell  while  leading  his  battalion  to  victory. 

"Resolved,  That  while  we  deplore  the  loss  of  a  youthful  warrior, 
whose  patriotism,  courage,  and  untiring  energy  gave  the  brightest 
promise  to  his  country,  we  most  deeply  mourn  the  death  of  one 
who,  as  a  member  of  this  bar,  was  respected  by  all  for  his  profes 
sional  bearing,  and  loved  by  those  who  best  knew  him,  for  the 
warmth  and  steadfastness  of  his  friendship. 

"  Resolved,  That  we  sympathize  with  his  afflicted  family,  in  the 
sorrow  of  their  bereavement,  and  request  the  chairman  of  this  meet 
ing  to  offer  them  our  sincerest  condolence. 

"  Resolved,  That,  as  a  tribute  to  the  memory  of  our  departed  bro 
ther  and  friend,  we  will  wear  suitable  badges  of  mourning  for  the 
remainder  of  the  present  term. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  proceedings  of  this  meeting  be  entered  upon 
the  minutes  of  the  Baltimore  County  Court,  with  the  assent  of  the 
judges,  and  be  published  in  the  several  newspapers  of  the  city." 

The  remains  of  this  noble  officer  were  conveyed  to  Baltimore, 
and  followed  to  their  final  resting-place  by  a  concourse  of  people 
nearly  two  miles  long. 


•  i;  %ia  min^mvnom  l»:jn-,)o  oc  bnsJg 

CAPTAIN  K.  A.  GILLESPIE. 


CAPTAIN  GILLESPIE  was  a  native  of  Tennessee,  but  for  many 
years  prior  to  the  Mexican  war  resided  first  in  Alabama  and  after 
wards  in  Texas.  In  the  latter  country  he  served  under  the  cele 
brated  Hays,  in  his  skirmishes  with  the  Indians.  He  volunteered 
his  services  to  General  Taylor,  which  were  immediately  accepted,  - 
and  his  rangers  performed  excellent  service  in  the  march  from  Ma- 
tamoras  to  Monterey.  At  the  latter  place  he  moved  with  Worth's 
division,  and  had  some  severe  skirmishing  with  parties  of  lancers, 
who  charged  outside  their  works.  General  Henderson  thus  notices 
him  in  his  official  despatch  :— 

"  In  doing  justice  to  the  living,  let  us  not  be  forgetful  of  the  dead. 
Among  the  fallen  in  my  command,  we  have  been  called  upon  to 
mourn  the  fate  of  a  young  officer  who  was  the  brightest  ornament 
of  the  service,  the  soul  of  honour,  and  the  pride  of  chivalry.  He 
had  long  been  employed  by  the  government  of  Texas  in  defence  of 
the  western  frontier,  as  the  commander  of  a  corps  of  mounted  ran 
gers,  and  probably  no  officer  ever  performed  his  duty  with  more 
activity  and  efficiency,  or  with  more  satisfaction  to  the  country.  He 
possessed  nothing  of  the  rough  habits,  ignorance,  and  presuming 
forwardness  which  is  usually  supposed  to  attach  to  the  frontier  sol 
dier.  He  was  an  educated  man,  and  a  gentleman  by  nature ;  quiet 
in  his  manners,  amiable  in  temper,  just  in  his  dealings,  and  strictly 
moral  in  his  habits.  During  his  connection  with  the  present  cam 
paign,  his  deportment  was  such  —  so  marked  by  a  happy  union  of 
modesty  with  bravery,  and  dignity  with  obedience  —  as  to  win  the 
hearts  of  all,  and  constitute  him  the  chief  favourite  of  the  army.  He 
followed  the  fortunes  of  General  Worth,  shared  in  all  the  dangers 
of  the  command,  and  closed  his  brilliant  career  amidst  the  shouts 
of  victory.  Though  feeble  in  frame,  the  inspiring  energies  of  his 

(249) 


250  CAPTAIN    GILLESPIE. 

mind  enabled  him  to  keep  in  advance  of  his  comrades,  so  that  in  the 
storming  of  the  Bishop's  Hill,  he  was  the  foremost  man  and  the  first 
victim  upon  the  ramparts  of  the  foe.  He  was  buried  where  he  fell 
— upon  the  loftiest  summit — and  the  mountain  that  encloses  his  re 
mains  will  stand  an  eternal  monument  of  his  glory — it  will  be  known 
in  history,  and  long  frequented  by  his  grateful  countrymen  as  the 
grave  of  Gillespie." 

Similar  is  the  language  of  General  Worth.  He  "  eminently  dis 
tinguished  himself  while  leading  his  brave  company  at  the  storming 
of  the  first  height,  and  perished  in  seeking  similar  distinction  on  a 
second  occasion." 


I   .'< 


w  AOTJ& 


j  jiw^slf  •  wraw  li«y 

{'  .s-b?$js  t}hcw  teiil  oifj  cioit 

to  rroiiyi?.  orte  fbiv*-  la?a  ssw  &!'«J80 
ffl<&3*  o*  slc'cna  gm^J  tod  ; 


CAPTAIN  RANDOLPH  RIDGELY. 


To  those  who  are  fond  of  tracing  resemblances,  one  might  be 
afforded  by  the  similarity  between  the  fate  of  Ridgely  and  that  of 
Lieutenant  Blake.  Both  perished  by  singular  accidents,  after  most 
terrible  conflicts,  in  which  they  nobly  distinguished  themselves. 

Little  is  recorded  of  Captain  Ridgely  prior  to  the  Mexican  war. 
His  splendid  career  at  West  Point  served  as  the  introduction  to  one 
still  more  brilliant  in  a  foreign  country.  At  Palo  Alto  he  fought 
beside  Ringgold  until  the  death  of  the  latter,  when  he  supplied  his 
place.  The  coolness  of  his  demeanour  and  precision  of  his  aim 
were  the  theme  of  universal  approbation.  "  Captain  Duncan  and 
Lieutenant  Ridgely  deserve  special  notice,"  says  General  Taylor, 
"  for  the  gallant  and  efficient  manner  in  which  they  manoeuvred  and 
served  their  batteries." 

Similar  is  the  language  of  Colonel  (now  General)  Twiggs:  "  The 
perfect  coolness  of  Lieutenant  Ridgely,  and  the  great  precision  with 
which  he  fired  his  pieces,  whilst  acting  in  concert  with  the  5th,  de 
serves  notice,  the  last  and  most  effective  shot  he  having  aimed  him 
self." 

During  the  siege  of  Monterey,  Captain  Ridgely  was  often  em 
ployed  in  repelling  the  attacks  of  lancers  upon  different  portions  of 
the  American  camp.  On  these  occasions  he  fully  sustained  the  re 
putation  acquired  in  Texas.  In  the  street  fight  of  the  third  day  he 
united  with  Bragg  and  others  in  battering  down  portions  of  the 
cathedral  and  other  buildings  around  the  principal  plaza.  General 
Twiggs  thus  notices  his  services  at  this  time:— 

"  Captain  R.  Ridgely,  with  one  section  of  his  battery,  annoyed 
the  enemy's  advanced  works  for  some  time  in  the  commencement 
of  the  assault,  but  was  obliged  to  retire  out  of  range  of  their  batteries 

(251) 


252  CAPTAIN    RIDGELY. 

that  were  playing  on  him.  Having  used  a  twelve-pounder  taken 
from  the  first  work,  against  the  enemy,  till  the  ammunition  gave 
out,  he  was  sent  with  one  section  of  his  own  battery  still  further  in 
advance  ;  but  being  unable  to  accomplish  much  against  the  enemy's 
heavy  breastworks,  returned  to,  and  occupied  with  his  battery,  the 
first  work  taken  from  the  enemy.  Captains  R.  Ridgely  and  B. 
Bragg,  and  their  subalterns,  deserve  the  highest  praise  for  their 
skill  and  good  conduct  under  the  heaviest  fire  of  the  enemy,  which, 
when  an  opportunity  offered,  was  concentrated  on  them." 

"  On  the  23d  the  advance  into  the  city  was  resumed  —  the  infan 
try  working  their  way  from  house  to  house,  supported  by  Captains 
R.  Ridgely  and  B.  Bragg,  driving  the  enemy  before  them." 

After  passing  unscathed  through  all  the  dangers  of  this  siege, 
Captain  Ridgely  was  destined  to  terminate  his  valued  life  by  a 
trifling  accident.  He  was  thrown  from  his  horse  on  the  25th  of 
September,  his  head  striking  against  a  rock.  He  remained  insensible 
until  his  death,  September  27th.  His  funeral  at  Monterey  was  at 
tended  by  all  the  officers  of  the  army,  and  in  solemn  and  dignified 
pomp  as  well  as  in  size,  has  rarely  been  equalled. 

Ridgely  was  a  scholar  as  well  as  soldier.  His  address  and 
manners  were  those  of  a  perfect  gentleman  ;  and  his  whole  person, 
though  small  and  delicate,  was  most  beautifully  moulded.  No  man 
was  ever  more  sincerely  lamented. 


.a»«t*JJd  Q^  *>ii* 


a  anotJioq  J<r.m8Jb  aoqu  'jjlf^t\  to  r^bfilJe  wiJ  gatiitfqai  ni  b^ipofq 

.  iiuiccaoo 

Lr*iigfl! 
iiiSfi'jO     JJSfilq  \rs".  „     i»m«/ia  ?gr 

;.j  asomf)3  siri  8*xjl:- 


«9fl!03n90ifnoo  sdJ  fli  eitfiJ  smoa  TO!  gAicj-rr   »9*,jj«v;  .:: 


, 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  BRAGG. 


. 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  BnAXTON  BRAGG  is  a  native  of  North  Ca 
rolina,  and  entered  the  army  as  second  lieutenant,  July  1st,  1837. 
On  the  18th  of  June,  1846,  he  was  commissioned  as  captain  in  the 
.3d  regiment  of  artillery. 

At  Monterey,  Captain  Bragg  highly  distinguished  himself  in  the 
severe  street-fights,  and  especially  in  the  attack  upon  the  cathedral 
and  main  plaza.  No  man  was  more  exposed  than  he,  and  few  bat 
teries  encountered  so  much  loss  as  his  own.  High  praise  was  be 
stowed  upon  him  by  all  the  superior  officers. 

Bragg  was  among  the  few  artillerymen  who  remained  with  Ge 
neral  Taylor  after  the  withdrawal  of  his  regular  troops  ;  and  there 
can  be  little  doubt  that  his  prompt  and  fearless  conduct  at  Buena  Vista 
saved  the  Americans  from  defeat.  On  him  General  Taylor  leaned, 
when  every  other  artillerist  had  retired  ;  and  he,  unassisted  by  any 
save  his  gallant  few,  and  the  general  himself,  hurled  back  the  thou 
sands  of  lancers  in  the  final  charge,  and  saved  the  infantry  from 
ruin.  The  following  is  an  extract  of  his  report  of  the  battle  :  — 

"  Finding,  when  I  arrived,  that  the  attack  had  been  made  and  re 
pulsed,  I  directed  my  attention  to  the  large  infantry  and  cavalry 
force  which  had  turned  our  left  flank  and  was  still  advancing.  At 
this  time  I  saw  that  Lieutenant  Kilburn  had  joined  me  with  his 
ffun.  He  had  been  actively  and  gallantly  engaged  in  my  vicinity 
during  the  greater  part  of  the  day,  but  my  close  occupation  caused 
me  to  overlook  him.  Seeing  that  the  force  which  had  turned  us 
was  gradually  moving  along  the  foot  of  the  mountain  towards  Sal- 
tillo,  and  was  only  held  in  check  by  Captain  Sherman,  with  one 
gun,  under  the  support  of  the  Mississippi  riflemen,  which  he  had 
daringly  advanced  against  at  least  four  thousand  of  the  enemy,  I 
put  my  battery  in  motion  towards  them,  and  sought  support  from 
22  M*  (253) 


254  LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   BRAGG. 

scattered  parties  of  mounted  men  in  the  vicinity  of  the  train.  About 
fifty  followed  me.  By  the  time  I  arrived  within  range  of  the  enemy 
— my  movement  being  very  slow,  owing  to  the  jaded  condition  of 
my  horses — I  noticed  the  Mississippi  regiment  gallantly  led  against 
a  force  immensely  superior.  Overwhelmed  by  numbers,  it  was  forced 
to  fall  back.  I  am  happy  to  believe  that  my  rapid  and  well-directed 
fire,  opened  just  at  this  time,  held  the  enemy  in  check  until  Colonel 
Davis  could  gain  a  position  and  assume  a  stand.  Under  my  fire 
the  enemy  retired  some  hundred  yards,  and  I  advanced  the  same 
distance,  and  again  came  into  action.  From  this  point  I  several 
times  fell  back,  and  as  often  advanced,  regulating  my  movements  by 
those  of  the  enemy,  my  support  being  weak  and  uncertain.  The 
effect  of  my  fire  was  very  apparent,  frequently  throwing  whole 
columns  into  disorder.  Whilst  thus  engaged,  General  Wool  came 
up,  and,  at  my  request,  ordered  our  cavalry,  then  some  distance  to 
my  left,  to  move  to  my  support.  I  at  once  approached  within 
canister  range,  and  felt  confident  I  should  inflict  a  loss  upon  the 
enemy  from  which  he  could  not  possibly  recover.  A  white  flag, 
however,  rapidly  passed  me,  and  I  ceased  my  fire.  The  enemy 
seized  the  opportunity,  availed  themselves  of  the  protection  of  our 
flag,  and  drew  ofF  beyond  the  range  of  our  guns. 

"  As  they  were  retiring  by  the  very  route  they  had  advanced,  1 
feared  they  would  avail  themselves  of  our  weakness  at  that  point, 
and  renew  the  attack,  regardless  of  our  flag.  I  accordingly  reversed 
my  battery,  and  urged  my  horses  to  their  utmost.  They  were  so 
exhausted,  however,  that  a  walk  was  all  that  could  be  forced  from 
them  by  both  whip  and  spur.  Several  deep  ravines  had  to  be  passed 
by  circuitous  routes  before  I  could  reach  my  desired  position ;  and, 
as  I  feared,  before  I  could  possibly  get  there,  an  awful  roar  of  mus 
ketry  commenced.  Knowing  the  importance  of  my  presence,  I 
left  some  of  my  heaviest  carriages,  caissons,  and  pushed  on  with 
such  as  could  move  most  rapidly.  Having  gained  a  point  from 
which  my  guns  could  be  used,  I  put  them  in  battery,  and  loaded 
with  canister.  Now,  for  the  first  time,  I  felt  the  imminent  peril  in 
which  we  stood.  Our  infantry  was  routed,  our  advanced  artillery 
captured,  and  the  enemy  in  heavy  force  coming  upon  us  at  a  run. 
Feeling  that  the  day  depended  upon  the  successful  stand  of  our 
artillery,  I  appealed  to  the  commanding  general,  who  was  near,  for 
support.  None  was  to  be  had  ;  and,  under  his  instructions  to  main- 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   BRAGG.  255 

tain  our  position  at  every  hazard,  I  returned  to  my  battery,  encou 
raged  my  men,  and,  when  the  enemy  arrived  within  good  range, 
poured  forth  the  canister  as  rapidly  as  my  guns  could  be  loaded. 
At  the  first  discharge  I  observed  the  enemy  falter,  and  in  a  short 
time  he  was  in  full  retreat.  A  very  heavy  loss  must  have  been 
sustained  by  him,  however,  before  he  got  beyond  our  range.  My 
guns  were  now  advanced  several  hundred  yards,  and  opened  on  a 
position  held  by  the  enemy,  with  a  battery  of  heavier  calibre  than 
our  own  —  the  same  from  which  our  left  flank  had  been  driven  in 
the  forenoon.  Under  the  support  of  the  Mississippi  regiment,  I  con 
tinued  my  fire,  until  convinced  that  nothing  could  be  effected  —  the 
enemy  holding  an  eminence  from  which  we  could  not  dislodge  him 
without  a  sacrifice  which  might  compromise  the  success  of  the  day. 
I  accordingly  withdrew  from  their  fire." 

Since  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista,  two  attempts  have  been  made  to 
assassinate  this  brave  officer.  Of  one  of  these  he  gives  account  in 
a  letter,  [dated  August  26th,  1847,]  from  which  the  following  is  ex 
tracted  :  — 

«  *  *  *  An  attempt  was  made  about  two,  A.  M.,  night  be 
fore  last,  to  assassinate  me  in  my  bed.  I  have,  no  clue  to  the  per 
petrator,  and  can  suggest  no  reason  for  the  act.  My  escape  without 
injury  is  regarded  as  almost  miraculous.  As  exaggerated  accounts 
will  probably  reach  the  press,  the  truth  may  interest  you.  A  twelve 
pound  shell,  heavily  charged,  was  placed  within  two  feet  of  my  bed, 
just  outside  of  my  tent,  and  exploded  by  a  slow  match  ;  the  frag 
ments  literally  riddling  my  tent  and  bedding,  pieces  passing  above 
and  below  me,  some  through  a  blanket  spread  over  me,  and  yet  I 
was  not  touched.  I  was  not  aware  that  I  had  an  enemy  in  the 
world,  and  at  times  feel  disposed  to  believe  now  that  it  may  have 
been  intended  as  a  practical  joke,  by  some  fool  ignorant  of  the  effect 
of  shells  thus  exploded.  Be  that  as  it  may,  my  escape  was  almost 
miraculous,  and  I  prefer  not  repeating  the  joke." 

No  satisfactory  explanation  of  the  motives  for  these  attempts  has 
ever  been  given. 


jittv 


MAJOR  BLISS, 

ASSISTANT  ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 


MAJOR  WILLIAM  W.  S.  BLISS  is  a  native  of  New  York.  He 
was  brevetted  second  lieutenant  of  the  4th  infantry,  July  1st,  1833, 
and  is  now  assistant  adjutant-general,  with  the  rank  of  major. 

Major  Bliss  has  acted  as  secretary  to  General  Taylor,  during  the 
whole  of  his  campaign  in  Mexico.  How  his  services  in  the  battle 
field  are  appreciated  by  that  great  commander,  the  following  notices 
from  his  official  despatches  will  show  : 

Palo  Alto  and  Resaca  de  la  Palma. — "  I  derived  efficient  aid  on 
both  days,  from  all  the  officers  of  my  staff — Captain  Bliss,  assistant 
adjutant-general,"  &c. 

Monterey. — "  From  the  officers  of  my  personal  staff,  I  have  de 
rived  valuable  and  efficient  assistance  during  the  operations.  Major 
Bliss  served  near  my  person,  and  was  prompt  in  all  situations  in 
the  communications  of  my  orders  and  instructions." 

The  same  expressions  of  satisfaction,  couched  in  nearly  the  same 
language,  are  used  in  the  report  of  Buena  Vista. 


MAJOR,  EATON. 


MAJOR  JOSEPH  H.  EATON  entered  the  army  from  Massachusetts, 
his  native  state,  as  brevet  second  lieutenant,  July  1st,  1835.  On  the 
18th  of  June,  he  became  captain  in  the  3d  regiment  of  infantry,  and 
aid-de-camp  to  General  Taylor.  His  accomplishments  as  a  scholar, 
and  bravery  as  a  soldier,  have  rendered  his  services  in  the  highest 
degree  valuable  to  that  officer. 
(856) 


CAPTAIN  GAKNETT. 


CAPTAIN  ROBERT  S.  GARNETT  was  born  in  Virginia.  He  en 
tered  the  army  as  brevet  second  lieutenant,  on  the  1st  of  July,  1841 ; 
and  on  the  18th  of  August,  1846,  was  commissioned  as  first  lieu 
tenant  of  the  4th  artillery  regiment.  He  now  forms  one  of  the  staff 
of  General  Taylor,  and  has  proven  himself  worthy  the  trust  im 
posed  upon  him,  by  his  courage  on  the  battle-field,  his  promptness 
in  the  delivery  of  orders,  and  the  habitual  politeness  which  he  ex 
ercises  both  toward  officers  and  soldiers.  He  is  frequently  men 
tioned  by  the  general  in  terms  of  the  warmest  esteem. 


COLONEL  BELKNAP. 


FEW  men  in  our  army  are  more  distinguished  for  personal  daring 
than  Colonel  Belknap.  In  battle,  every  thing  seems  to  bend  before 
his  furious  course.  In  the  temporary  absence  of  Captain  May, 
after  the  charge  at  Resaca  de  la  Pal  ma,  he  rallied  the  regiment  in 
the  main  road,  seized  a  standard,  and  rushed  upon  the  Tampico 
veterans.  The  flag-staff  was  shot  away,  and  immediately  after  his 
horse  fell  dead,  throwing  its  rider.  The  intrepid  officer  escaped, 
however,  without  serious  injury. 

Colonel  William  G.  Belknap  was  born  in  New  York.  He  en 
tered  the  army  April  5th,  1813,  as  third  lieutenant  of  the  23d  infantry, 
and  has  risen  by  regular  gradation  to  his  present  rank.  He  fought 
with  great  bravery  at  Monterey  and  Buena  Vista. 

22  *  (257) 


COLONEL  MUNROE. 


COLONEL  JOHN  MUNROE  is  a  native  of  Scotland,  but  emigrated  to 
this  country  in  early  life.  His  first  appointment  in  the  army  dates 
March  llth,  1814,  with  the  rank  of  third  lieutenant  of  the  1st  ar 
tillery.  On  the  15th  of  February,  1838,  he  was  brevetted  major 
of  the  2d  artillery  regiment,  and  on  the  18th  of  August,  1846, 
raised  to  the  rank  of  full  major.  He  has  acted  as  aid  to  General 
Taylor  during  his  campaign  in  Mexico,  and  won  the  esteem  of  both 
general  and  army. 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  MANSFIELD. 


• 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   JOSEPH    K.    F.    MANSFIELD    Was    bom    in 


Connecticut.  He  was  brevetted  second  lieutenant,  July  1st, 
captain,  July  7th,  1838,  and  for  his  bravery  at  Fort  Brown,  brevet 
major,  May  9th,  1846.  During  the  bombardment  of  that  post,  he 
was  indefatigable  in  labour,  and  elicited  high  praise  from  Captain 
Hawkins.  In  General  Taylor's  report  of  Monterey,  he  has  the  fol 
lowing  commendation  :  "I  must  express  my  particular  obligations 
to  Brevet  Major  Mansfield,  and  Lieutenant  Scarritt,  corps  of  engi 
neers.  They  both  rendered  most  important  services  in  reconnoitring 
the  enemy's  positions,  conducting  troops  in  attack,  and  strengthen 
ing  the  works  captured  from  the  enemy.  Major  Mansfield,  though 
(258) 


CAPTAIN    RAMSAY. — CAPTAIN   SHERMAN.  259 

w  aided  on  the  21st,  remained  on  duty  during  that  and  the  follow 
ing  day,  until  confined  by  his  wound  to  camp." 

The  general  thus  mentions  him  among  others  in  his  account  of 
Buena  Vista : — 

"  Major  Mansfield  was  employed  before  and  during  the  engage 
ment  in  making  reconnoissances,  and  on  the  field  was  very  active 
in  bringing  information  and  in  conveying  my  orders  to  different 
points." 

After  the  battle  the  major  was  rewarded  with  the  rank  of  lieu* 
tenant-colonel,  which  he  still  holds. 


CAPTAIN   RAMSAY. 


CAPTAIN  GEORGE  D.  RAMSAY  was  born  in  Virginia,  and  entered 
the  army  as  2d  lieutenant  of  light  artillery,  July  1st,  1820.  On  the 
25th  of  February,  1835,  he  was  raised  to  the  rank  of  Captain.  He 
joined  the  Army  of  Occupation  in  Texas,  and  has  rendered  valuable 
services  to  General  Taylor,  as  one  of  his  personal  staff.  Although 
deprived  by  the  nature  of  his  office  from  any  display  as  an  officer, 
yet  he  is  said  to  be  cool,  daring,  and  perfectly  collected  while  on  the 
battle-field. 


CAPTAIN  SHERMAN. 


CAPTAIN  THOMAS  W.  SHERMAN  is  a  native  of  Rhode  Island.  His 
first  appointment  as  2d  lieutenant  of  artillery  is  dated  July  1st,  1836. 
He  was  promoted  as  captain  May  28th,  1846. 


260  LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   WHITING. 

Captain  Sherman  has  rendered  himself  immortal  by  his  services 
at  Buena  Vista.  On  that  day  his  battery  was  incessantly  moving 
from  point  to  point,  wherever  danger  was  thickest.  During  the 
greater  part  of  the  action,  he,  in  company  with  Captain  Bragg, 
fought  directly  under  the  eye  of  the  commanding  general.  On  one 
occasion  he  stood  in  front  of  the  Mississippi  riflemen  with  only  on<* 
gun,  while  four  thousand  of  the  enemy  were  pouring  down  upoi 
him.  In  company  with  his  brother  officer,  he  held  six  thousand 
lancers  at  bay,  until  the  American  infantry  had  crossed  a  deep 
ravine,  and  advanced  to  share  the  battle.  On  another  occasion  he 
was  almost  surrounded  by  the  Mexicans,  until  supported  by  Colonel 
May.  General  Wool  thus  speaks  of  him  and  the  other  artillerists : — 

"  I  desire  to  express  my  high  admiration,  and  to  offer  my  warmest 
thanks  to  Captains  Washington,  Sherman  and  Bragg,  and  Lieute 
nants  O'Brien  and  Thomas,  and  their  batteries ;  to  whose  services 
at  this  point,  and  on  every  other  part  of  the  field,  I  think  it  but  jus 
tice  to  say,  we  are  mainly  indebted  for  the  great  victory  so  success 
fully  achieved  by  our  arms  over  the  great  force  opposed  to  us. 
Without  our  artillery  we  could  not  have  maintained  our  position 
a  single  hour." 


^$  fceio.':t*j.  eht  1 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  WHITING. 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  LEVI  WHITING  entered  the  army  from 
Massachusetts,  his  native  state,  as  2d  lieutenant  of  artillery,  Feb 
ruary  10th,  1812.  He  served  with  honour  during  the  war  with 
England,  and  has  risen  by  regular  gradation  to  his  present  rank. 
He  now  forms  one  of  the  staff  of  General  Taylor,  filling  the  station 
of  quartermaster-general.  His  services  at  Monterey  and  Buena  Vista 
are  mentioned  with  the  highest  approbation. 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  DUNCAN. 


No  officer  was  more  distinguished  by  his  gallant  conduct  in  the 
battles  of  the  8th  and  9th  of  May,  than  Captain  Duncan.  His  bat 
teries  were  continually  in  one  wide  blaze ;  and  it  was  by  their  fire 
that  the  prairie  of  Palo  Alto  was  ignited.  He  marched  with  the  2d 
division  at  Monterey,  and  received  the  thanks  of  General  Worth  in 
public  orders.  In  January,  1847,  he  was  transferred  to  General 
Scott's  army,  where  he  has  taken  a  brilliant  part  in  all  operations 
from  the  capture  of  Vera  Cruz  to  the  fall  of  Mexico. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Duncan  is  a  native  of  New  York.  He  was 
brevetted  2d  lieutenant  of  the  2d  artillery,  July  1st,  1834;  promoted 
to  a  captaincy,  April  16th,  1846 ;  and  brevetted  lieutenant-colonel 
for  his  services  at  Palo  Alto  and  Resaca  de  la  Palma. 


&nr.  Idgtt  "/m  i 

CAPTAIN  O'BRIEN. 


•viol  Quite!*  \ia  fi-?.*:'/  o?  na&io  btwbasf  I  ttadctom  siiii  JA 
CAPTAIN  JOHN  P.  J.  O'BRIEN  is  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
entered  the  army  in  1836.  On  the  18th  of  January,  1847,  he  was 
appointed  captain,  and  assigned  the  office  of  assistant-quartermaster. 
He  won  the  admiration  and  gratitude  of  his  country  at  Buena  Vie(a, 
and  probably  saved  the  day.  He  thus  describes  his  efforts  during 
the  battle  :— 

(261) 


262  CAPTAIN  O'BRIEN. 

"  On  arriving  at  the  point  indicated,  I  found  myself  within  musket 
range  of  about  three  thousand  Mexican  infantry,  while  their  battery, 
three  hundred  yards  on  my  left,  was  pouring  in  heavy  discharges 
of  grape  and  canister.  I  opened  the  fire  against  the  infantry  and 
lancers  with  tremendous  effect.  Every  shot,  whether  canister  or 
shell,  seemed  to  tell.  The  enemy  wavered  and  fell  back.  I  ad 
vanced  on  him  about  fifty  yards.  He  was  strongly  reinforced,  until, 
in  fact,  I  found  his  main  body  pressing  on  me.  The  pieces  were 
admirably  served,  but  failed  any  longer  to  check  his  advance.  Every 
gap  in  the  Mexican  ranks  was  closed  as  soon  as  made.  On  looking 
round  at  this  moment,  I  discovered  that  the  tremendous  cross-fire  of 
the  enemy  had  forced  the  regiment  ordered  to  my  support  to  fall 
back.  Deeming  it  useless  to  remain  alone,  and  sacrifice  my  pieces 
needlessly,  I  waited  till  the  enemy  came  still  closer,  and  then  gave 
the  order  to  limber  up  and  retire.  I  found  that  all  the  horses  and 
all  the  cannoneers  of  the  Mexican  four-pounders  were  either  killed 
or  disabled.  The  other  pieces  were  in  but  little  better  condition.  I 
succeeded,  however,  in  withdrawing  them,  and  retired  to  our  line. 

"  On  arriving  there,  I  had  not  a  cannoneer  to  wrork  the  guns.  All 
had  been  disabled  or  killed.  Finding  it  impossible  to  replace  them, 
either  from  the  other  batteries  or  from  any  other  source,  I  was  com 
pelled  to  return  to  your  battery,  which  was  guarding  the  pass  at  the 
foot  of  the  heights. 

"  You  then  furnished  me  with  two  six-pounders,  with  which  I 
again  ascended  to  the  battle-ground.  I  then  found  myself  opposed 
to  a  strong  line  of  the  Mexican  infantry  and  cavalry,  and  to  one  of 
their  heavy  batteries.  I  was  supported  by  a  body  of  infantry,  posted 
in  two  ravines  on  my  right  and  left.  The  remainder  of  our  artillery 
and  infantry  were  engaged  with  the  enemy  about  half  a  mile  or 
more  to  our  left.  We  kept  the  enemy  in  check,  while  our  troops 
on  the  left  drove  the  body  opposed  to  them  round  the  head  of  the 
ravine,  where  they  united  with  those  against  whom  I  was  firing. 
At  this  moment,  I  received  orders  to  push  my  section  forward.  I 
advanced,  and  again  opened  a  heavy  fire.  The  enemy  was  strongly 
reinforced  by  infantry  and  lancers.  Finding  themselves  so  superior 
in  numbers  by  their  junction  with  this  reinforcement,  and  with  their 
troops  driven  from  our  left,  they  advanced.  The  position  of  things 
now  appeared  very  critical.  If  the  enemy  succeeded  in  forcing  our 
position  at  this  point,  the  day  was  their's.  There  was  no  other  ar- 


263 

tillery  opposed  to  them  but  my  section  and  one  other  piece.  It  was 
all-important  to  maintain  our  ground  until  our  artillery  came  round 
the  ravine  from*  the  plain  on  our  left  and  joined  us.  I  therefore  de 
termined  to  hold  my  post  till  the  enemy  reached  the  muzzles  of  my 
guns.  The  firing  from  the  section  became  more  and  more  destruc 
tive  as  the  enemy  advanced.  It  repelled  a  body  of  lancers  which 
was  about  charging  on  the  Illinois  regiment.  My  own  loss  was 
severe.  I  had  had  two  horses  shot  under  me ;  the  one  I  was  then 
on  was  wounded  and  limping.  I  had  received  a  wound  in  the  leg. 
All  my  cannoneers,  except  a  few  recruits  who  had  joined  some  days 
before,  were  killed  or  disabled.  In  the  midst  of  this  heavy  fire,  with 
horses  and  men  dropping  around  them,  the  few  recruits  who  were  fit 
for  duty  lost  their  presence  of  mind  ;  and  I  found  it  impossible,  with 
all  my  efforts,  to  keep  them  to  their  guns.  I  remained  with  the 
pieces  to  the  last,  until  the  enemy  came  within  a  few  yards  of  them, 
when  I  was  forced  to  retire  for  want  of  a  single  cannoneer  to  load  or 
fire.  I  was,  however,  delighted  to  find  that  I  had  maintained  my 
ground  sufficiently  long  to  cause  the  victory  to  be  secured ;  for,  at 
this  moment,  the  rest  of  our  artillery  arrived,  and  came  into  action. 

"  You  are,  sir,  well  aware  that  it  is  often  the  duty  of  an  artillery 
officer  to  sacrifice  his  pieces  for  the  safety  of  other  troops.  Such 
was  my  position.  I  could  have  saved  the  guns,  had  I  withdrawn 
them  earlier ;  but,  in  such  case,  the  day  might,  perhaps,  have  been 
lost." 


/.'  :,1I     ,-  rb 

ac/i  *&  i)8aoiJs)8  bas  t^Jhoj*<. 
• 

viiidco  exit 

.lii  IjjosilfiJioaimi  fmc  teiobio 
idJJs!  &  0i  imssiqxa  &;; 

zd.  I    .^imailzo  3e#I  ydi  oJ  3aoq  eiiiJ  bn&bb  Uiw  I 
R  oj  aids  ad  Y8ffr  ^  ^^  ,n9ibliilo  brus  aomow  sifj 

1>  *{Oi  ob  oJ  eqod  1    .bdfitaiiBa  93     .aoflsidmuoaa  iuo 


••iftowou  svoiq 
tndi  oiii  te  jiigia  bae 
am 


COLONEL  CROGHAN. 


COLONEL  GEORGE  CROGHAN  was  born  November  15th,  1791,  at 
Locust  Grove,  near  the  falls  of  the  Ohio,  Kentucky.  His  father 
served  under  Washington  in  the  revolutionary  war.  His  early  life 
was  spent  in  study ;  and  in  1808  he  entered  William  and  Mary 
College.  On  the  4th  of  July,  1810,  he  graduated  as  bachelor  of 
arts,  with  distinguished  honours. 

When  General  Harrison  commenced  his  campaign  against  the 
Indians  in  the  north-west,  young  Croghan  entered  his  army  as  a 
volunteer,  and  was  appointed  one  of  the  general's  aids.  As  such, 
he  assisted  at  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe,  where  he  won  admiration 
from  both  officers  and  men  by  his  coolness  and  gallantry.  In  con 
sequence  of  our  difficulties  with  England,  he  expressed  a  desire  to 
join  the  army ;  and  by  the  earnest  recommendation  of  Generals 
Boyd  and  Harrison,  he  was  appointed  [March  12th,  1812]  captain 
in  the  17th  infantry.  He  was  then  but  nineteen  years  old.  He 
commanded  for  a  short  time  at  Fort  Defiance,  and  was  with  Har 
rison  during  the  attack  on  Fort  Meigs,  where  he  executed  several 
brilliant  charges  on  the  enemy  in  their  retreat.  He  was  rewarded 
by  a  majority,  and  stationed  at  Fort  Stephenson,  with  orders  from 
General  Harrison  to  destroy  the  stores  and  abandon  the  fort  should 
the  enemy- appear.  Ascertaining  that  an  attack  was  intended,  he 
disobeyed  orders,  and  immortalized  his  name.  His  noble  deter 
mination  was  thus  expressed  in  a  letter  to  a  friend.  "  I  expect  an 
attack.  I  will  defend  this  post  to  the  last  extremity.  I  have  just 
sent  away  the  women  and  children,  that  I  may  be  able  to  act  with 
out  encumbrance.  Be  satisfied.  I  hope  to  do  my  duty.  The  ex 
ample  set  me  by  my  revolutionary  kindred  is  before  me — let  me  die 
rather  than  prove  unworthy  of  their  name."  He  continued  to  labour 
day  and  night  at  the  fort,  in  order  to  put  it  in  the  best  state  of  de- 
(264) 


COLONEL  CROGHAN. 


COLONEL   CROGHAN.  265 

fence.  His  garrison  consisted  of  but  one  hundred  and  thirty-three 
effective  men.  The  works  covered  one  acre ;  the  pickets  were  ten 
feet  high,  surrounded  by  a  ditch,  with  a  blockhouse  at  each  angle, 
one  of  which  contained  a  six-pounder. 

On  the  1st  of  August,  General  Proctor,  with  five  hundred  regu 
lars  and  seven  hundred  Indians,  appeared  before  the  fort  and  sur 
rounded  it.  He  then  sent  a  summons  to  surrender,  stating,  that  in 
case  of  resistance,  the  whole  garrison  would  be  massacred.  Croghan 
replied,  that  he  was  willing  to  be  buried  with  the  fort,  but  not  to 
surrender.  At  the  reception  of  this  answer,  Proctor  immediately 
opened  his  fire.  The  assault  continued  during  that  and  part  of  the 
following  day,  and  consisted  of  a  series  of  heavy  cannonadings,  and 
rapid  charges.  To  counteract  the  first,  the  major  placed  bags  of 
flour,  sand,  &c.,  so  that  the  picketings  sustained  no  injury.  Five 
hundred  men  then  advanced  to  storm  the  works.  They  were 
severely  galled  by  small  arms,  until  they  reached  the  ditch,  when 
the  six-pounder,  doubly  charged  with  balls  and  slugs,  and  which 
had  hitherto  been  masked,  opened  upon  them,  raking  the  ditch  from 
end  to  end,  and  sweeping  down  all  in  it,  except  eleven.  The  officers 
endeavoured  to  rally  the  remainder  of  the  column,  but  it  retired  in 
disorder  to  a  neighbouring  wood,  leaving  behind  one  hundred  and 
fifty  regulars  killed,  and  a  number  of  allies.  The  American  loss 
was  one  killed,  seven  slightly  wounded. 

For  this  brilliant  affair,  Croghan  was  raised  to  the  rank  of  lieu 
tenant-colonel,  in  which  capacity  he  served  during  the  remainder 
of  the  war. 

Colonel  Croghan  resigned  his  commission  in  the  army  March 
31st,  1817.  In  May  of  the  same  year,  he  was  married  to  a  daugh 
ter  of  John  R.  Livingston,  Esq.,  of  New  York.  On  the  21st  of 
December,  1825,  he  was  appointed  colonel  and  inspector-general  in 
the  regular  army,  in  which  capacity  he  serves  in  the  Mexican  war. 
General  Taylor  mentions  him,  in  a  very  flattering  manner,  for  his 
conduct  at  Monterey. 

After  the  fall  of  Monterey,  Colonel  Croghan  was  ordered  to  the 
United  States,  to  attend  to  some  duties  connected  with  his  office  in 
the  army. 
23 


CAPTAIN  LINCOLN. 

r^dliiO 

WE  cannot  close  the  series  of  General  Taylor's  officers  more  ap 
propriately,  than  by  a  notice  of  him  of  whom  the  general  himself 
says: — "We  have  to  lament  the  death  of  Captain  George  Lincoln, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General,  serving  in  the  staff  of  General  Wool — a 
young  officer  of  high  bearing  and  approved  gallantry,  who  fell  early 
in  the  action." 

When  the  news  of  his  death  was  received  at  Massachusetts,  his 
native  state,  it  caused  the  deepest  sensation.  Being  son  of  the  ex- 
gov,ernor,  and  a  gentleman  of  the  highest  promise,  thousands  knew 
his  worth  and  mourned  his  loss.  His  remains  were  afterwards 
transported  to  Boston  by  the  Kentucky  volunteers,  and  attended  to 
their  resting-place  with  great  honour.  A  letter  dated  Boston, 
July,  1847,  gives  account  of  the  interesting  ceremony,  of  which  the 
following  is  the  substance  : — 

"  Captain  George  Lincoln,  assistant  adjutant-general  U.  S.  Army, 
who  fell  mortally  wounded  at  Buena  Vista,  arrived  here  in — a  box, 
six  feet  by  two.  His  body  was  received  a  few  days  ago  from  New 
Orleans,  by  sea,  and  deposited  in  the  vault  of  the  old  stone  chapel, 
on  School  street.  Last  Thursday  morning  the  remains  of  the  gallant 
soldier  were  taken  from  the  vault  at  nine  o'clock,  in  a  splendid 
black  walnut  coffin,  over  which  hung  the  American  flag,  and  on  the 
coffin  lay  two  swords  —  one,  alas!  the  present,  but  a  few  months 
ago,  from  his  fellow-townsmen  of  Worcester.  On  a  neat  silver 
plate,  upon  the  coffin,  was  engraved : 

GEORGE   LINCOLN, 
Captain  8th  Eegiment  Infantry,  U.  S.  .#., 

FELL    AT    BUENA   VISTA,   MEXICO,    FEB.    23d,    1847, 

':i!J  iA 

AGED    TWENTY-NINE    YEARS. 

u'.  Maid  8in  ifJr*/  bo 

"  A  grand  and  imposing  military  escort  were  present,  to  whom 

our  worthy  mayor,  Josiah  Q,uincy,  Jr.,  presented  the  coffin  and  body, 
with  the  following  brief  address,  which  embodies  nearly  all  the  par- 
Oculars  known  of  his  history . 

(266) 


CAPTAIN    LINCOLN.  267 

fc '  Fellow  Citizens : — This  solemn  meeting  arises  from  a  general 
desire  and  willingness  on  the  part  of  the  citizens  of  Boston  to  pay 
the  last  tribute  of  respect  and  honour  to  the  remains  of  one  of  the 
gallant  sons  of  the  Bay  Slate,  Captain  George  Lincoln,  late  an  officer 
in  the  United  States'  army,  and  who,  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  his 
military  calling,  lost  his  life  on  the  battle-field  of  Buena  Vista.  He 
was  immediately  associated,  before  and  during  the  action,  with  the 
second  regiment  of  Kentucky  volunteers.  When  their  time  of  ser 
vice  had  expired,  and  they  were  about  returning  home,  the  remem 
brance  of  the  soldier  who  had  shared  with  them  the  privations  of 
the  camp  and  the  dangers  of  the  field,  would  not  permit  them  to 
suffer  his  remains  to  slumber  for  ever  in  a  foreign  soil.  These  chi 
valrous  sons  of  Kentucky  caused  the  remains  of  Captain  Lincoln  to 
be  transmitted  to  New  Orleans,  and  thence  to  me,  as  chief-magistrate 
of  the  capital  of  our  state  ;  and  as  such  I  received  them,  believing 
that  whatever  may  be  the  opinions  of  my  fellow-citizens  concerning 
the  war,  there  is  an  undivided  feeling  of  respect  for  this  gallant  man, 
who  fell  at  his  post  in  the  front  ranks  of  his  country's  army.  It  is 
my  painful  duty  to  transmit  these  remains  to  the  presence  of  his 
honoured  father,  his  loving  mother,  his  affectionate  wife,  and  his 
orphan  child.  Their  feelings  may  not  be  described,  but  their  sor 
rows  may  be  alleviated  by  the  sympathies  of  the  public.  To  you, 
Mr.  Commander,  (Captain  Edmunds,)  I  commit  the  body  for  safe 
conveyance  and  the  funeral  rites,  to  their  last  resting-place  in  the 
heart  of  the  Commonwealth,  the  beautiful  village  of  his  birth  (Wor 
cester).  And  when  some  future  historian  shall  note  the  names  and 
deeds  of  the  thousand  sons  of  Massachusetts,  who  fell  in  the  hot 
conflict  of  the  battle-field,  may  he  truly  say,  that  he  whose  remains 
lie  before  us,  was  her  last  sacrifice,  falling  in  the  last  war  in  which 
our  beloved  country  was  ever  engaged !' 

"  The  body  was  taken  by  the  military  escort  and  citizens,  who 
turned  out  by  thousands,  and  the  procession  moved  towards  the 
Worcester  Depot.  The  most  prominent  feature  in  the  procession 
was  the  tall,  light  gray,  bony-looking  horse  rode  by  Captain  Lincoln 
in  the  field,  at  Buena  Vista.  He  was  arrayed  in  the  same  equip 
ments  worn  while  under  his  gallant  master,  looked  as  though  he  had 
seen  some  hard  service,  and  was  the  observed  of  all  observers.  The 
escort,  and  such  citizens,  &c.,  as  desired,  took  the  cars  and  proceed 
ed  to  the  last  home  of  the  honoured  dead." 

N 


MAJOR-GENERAL  GAINES. 


BREVET  MAJOR-GENERAL  EDMUND  P.  GAINES  is  one  of  the  oldest 
officers  in  the  American  army,  his  first  commission  as  ensign  of  in 
fantry  bearing  date  January  10th,  1799.  He  is  a  native  of  Vir 
ginia,  and  his  father  was  an  officer  in  the  army  of  that  state  during 
the  revolutionary  war.  About  the  year  1790,  he  removed  to  Ten 
nessee,  where  his  early  days  were  passed  amid  the  hardships  of  a 
woodman's  life.  During  this  time,  his  education  was  superintend 
ed  principally  by  his  mother,  who  was  indefatigable  in  her  atten 
tion  to  this  particular.  He  afterwards  studied  mathematics,  and 
employed  his  leisure  hours  in  surveying  land. 

The  date  of  his  entering  the  army  has  already  been  given. 
During  the  same  year  he  was  appointed  as  second  lieutenant  in  the 
6th  infantry.  From  this  period,  until  1806,  he  was  employed  by 
government  in  various  duties,  both  as  surveyor  and  an  officer  in  the 
army.  In  this  year,  by  order  of  the  president,  he  arrested  the 
famous  Colonel  Burr,  whose  movements  had  long  countenanced  the 
opinion  that  he  entertained  treasonable  designs  against  the  govern 
ment. 

For  his  fearless  promptitude  in  this  affair,  Captain  Gaines  was 
appointed  United  States'  marshal,  by  President  Jefferson,  and  in 
this  capacity  summoned  a  number  of  officers  to  attend  the  trial  of 
Colonel  Burr.  The  result  of  this  momentous  trial  is  well  known ; 
Burr  was  acquitted  of  the  charges  preferred  against  him,  and  many 
individuals  incurred  the  animosity  of  his  friends  by  the  course  they 
had  pursued.  Although  Captain  Gaines  acted  under  direct  orders  from 
the  president,  there  is  every  reason  to  believe  that  a  portion  of  this 
disapprobation  fell  upon  him. 

After  the  war  had  been  declared  with  Great  Britain,  Gaines  (now 
advanced  to  colonel)  was  employed  in  different  expeditions  against 
Ihe  north-western  Indians.  He  was  afterwards  present  at  the  battle 
(268) 


GENERAL  GA1NES. 


MAJOR-GENERAL   GAINES.  269 

of  Chrystler's  Fields,  (November  llth,  1813,)  where  he  so  highly 
distinguished  himself  as  to  be  rewarded  by  the  appointment  [March 
9th,  1816]  of  brigadier-general. 

But  the  most  brilliant  action  of  General  Gaines  was  his  defence 
of  Fort  Erie,  against  a  vastly  superior  force  of  British  under  Gene 
ral  Drummond.  The  attack  commenced  on  the  night  of  the  14th 
of  August,  1814,  by  volleys  of  shell  and  shot,  followed  soon 
after  by  three  simultaneous  charges  with  the  bayonet.  Although 
the  darkness  was  intense,  the  general  kept  his  men  to  duty,  and 
placing  himself  among  the  militia,  showed  them  how  to  use  their 
fire  to  the  best  effect.  Before  the  wide  blasts  that  burst  from  the 
fort  in  all  directions  the  British  columns  recoiled.  Again  and  again 
they  were  led  to  the  attack,  and  as  often  repulsed,  with  fearful 
slaughter.  Five  hundred  and  eighty-two  of  the  enemy  were  killed, 
wounded,  and  taken  in  this  assault;  while  the  garrison  lost  but 
seventeen  killed,  and  sixty-seven  wounded  and  prisoners. 

After  this  defence,  the  British  commenced  a  bombardment  of  the 
fort,  which  was  continued  until  the  latter  end  of  August.  They 
then  invested  it  with  their  entire  army,  maintaining  a  close  siege 
until  the  sortie  of  General  Brown,  (September  17th,)  by  which  the 
greater  part  of  their  works  was  destroyed. 

For  this  noble  defence,  General  Gaines  was  voted  a  gold  medal 
by  congress,  and  swords  by  the  legislatures  of  several  states.  No 
further  opportunity  of  distinction  was  afforded  him  during  the  war. 

During  the  difficulties  with  the  Spanish  and  Indians  in  Florida, 
General  Gaines  was  assigned  the  command  in  the  western  portion 
of  that  province ;  but  the  nature  of  his  instructions  did  not  permit 
him  to  engage  in  active  service.  He  accompanied  General  Jackson 
in  his  march  toward  St.  Augustine,  and  in  obedience  to  instructions 
bombarded  that  place  until  it  surrendered. 

In  1821,  General  Gaines  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  the 
western  military  department ;  and  in  1832,  was  concerned  in  the 
Black  Hawk  war.  When  the  Seminoles  commenced  hostilities  he 
was  again  ordered  to  Florida,  and  though  unable  to  bring  the  In 
dians  to  a  decisive  engagement,  he  performed  there  duties  arduous 
and  useful. 

When  General  Taylor  was  surrounded  by  the  Mexicans,  at  Fort 
Brown,  General  Gaines,  fearing  that  he  might  be  cut  off  with  his 
little  army,  called  out  a  large  force  of  volunteers.  For  this  he  was 
23* 


270  MAJOR-GENERAL   GAINES. 

accused  of  exceeding  authority,  and  summoned  to  Washington  for 
trial.  A  court  of  inquiry  met  at  Fortress  Monroe,  July  20th,  1846, 
and  a  thorough  investigation  took  place.  The  result  was  the  finding 
of  no  direct  authority  for  the  course  pursued  by  the  general,  except  an 
honest  conviction  that  he  was  acting  in  accordance  with  the  dictates 
of  duty.  Appended  to  their  verdict  was  the  following  recommen 
dation  :-— 

"  Having  now  reported  their  finding  and  opinion,  the  court  re 
commend  to  the  favourable  consideration  of  the  president,  the  good 
and  patriotic  motives,  and  the  public  zeal  by  which,  as  the  court 
believe,  General  Gaines  was  actuated  in  all  these  transactions,  and 
therefore  they  recommend  that  no  further  proceedings  be  had  in  this 
case." 

The  matter  was  accordingly  dropped,  and  General  Gaines  re 
stored  to  that  confidence  which  the  public  have  been  ever  proud  to 
repose  in  him. 


COLONEL  JEFFEESON  DAVIS. 


AFTER  the  opening  of  the  Mexican  war  on  the  plains  of  Texas, 
General  Taylor  made  large  demands  to  the  governors  of  several 
states  for  reinforcements,  to  carry  on  the  campaign.  His  call  was 
promptly  met,  and  more  than  ten  thousand  men  were  mustered  into 
service,  and  sent  to  the  seat  of  war.  The  Mississippi  volunteers, 
under  Colonel  Jefferson  Davis,  marched  with  General  Gluitman's 
brigade,  joined  the  Army  of  Occupation  during  the  summer  of  1846, 
and  proceeded  with  it  to  Monterey. 

During  the  three  days'  battle  before  the  city,  Colonel  Davis  won 
the  highest  applause  by  his  fearlessness,  both  within  the  walls  and 
while  employed  to  repel  the  charges  of  cavalry.  His  riflemen  were 
frequently  in  the  thickest  battle,  between  cross-fires,  and  exposed  to 
the  full  action  of  the  enemy's  lancers.  He  was  appointed  by  General 
Taylor  one  of  the  commissioners  to  negotiate  a  capitulation,  and 
subsequently  became  one  of  the  warmest  defenders  of  that  measure* 
His  fame  as  a  soldier  and  leader  is  based  upon  his  operations  at 
Monterey. 

The  battle  of  Buena  Vista  was  one  in  which  each  officer  sustained 
at  intervals  the  fortune  of  the  day.  This  was  the  case  with  Colonel 
Davis,  after  the  retirement  of  the  2d  Indiana  regiment.  The  Mexi 
can  cavalry,  elated  by  their  success,  rushed  down  in  heavy  columns, 
with  shouts  that  rang  above  the  din  of  battle,  and  in  a  direction 
which  would  bring  them  in  contact  with  the  Mississippians.  Un 
daunted,  however,  by  the  formidable  array,  the  colonel  threw  his 
command  into  the  form  of  a  V,  with  the  opening  toward  the  enemy, 

(271) 


272  COLONEL   DAVIS. 

and  firmly  awaited  their  approach.  They  rushed  on  in  full  gallop ; 
but  when  near  enough  to  render  their  features  discernible,  a  sheet 
of  fire  was  poured  into  their  dense  ranks,  which  mowed  down  horse 
and  rider,  in  promiscuous  slaughter.  They  rallied,  and  renewed 
the  charge;  but  were  driven  back  again  and  again,  until  perse 
verance  became  madness.  Had  the  enemy  conquered  in  that  charge, 
Santa  Anna  would  have  been  the  hero  of  Angostura.  But,  struck 
with  dismay,  his  lacerated  columns  heaved  back,  and  in  mad  con 
fusion  horse  trod  down  horse,  crushing  wounded  and  dying  beneath 
their  hoofs,  in  the  reckless  rushings  of  retreat.  It  was  a  horrible 
moment ;  and  when  the  pageant  had  passed  away,  heaps  of  muti 
lated  beings  were  stretched  along  the  ground,  writhing  in  the  ex 
tremity  of  agony.  Those  who  only  a  moment  before  had  been 
strong  in  life  and  hope,  were  now  torn  and  trampled  into  the  earth, 
while  the  blood  was  pouring  from  their  wounds,  and  the  heart  hur 
rying  on  to  its  last  shock. 

Colonel  Davis  is  now  at  Washington,  occupying  his  station  as  a 
member  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


2^    Tf     V\~~ 
LIEUTENANT  DANIEL  DRAKE  HENRIE. 


CAPTAIN  HENRIE. 


THE  name  of  Captain  "  Dan  Henrie"  is  associated  with  most  of 
the  thrilling  scenes  in  the  struggle  for  Texan  freedom.  During  the 
whole  of  that  eventful  revolution,  he  performed  deeds  of  daring  and 
romantic  incident,  which  rendered  him  conspicuous  even  among 
the  hardy  characters  of  that  period. 

At  the  opening  of  the  present  war,  he  hurried  to  Mexico,  to  gra 
tify  at  once  both  his  fondness  for  action  and  his  hatred  to  his  former 
enemy.  At  first  he  seems  to  have  joined  the  army  as  an  adven 
turer,  hut  afterwards  was  with  the  column  of  General  Wool  on  its 
arrival  at  Agua  Nueva. 

Captain  Henrie  was  with  the  scouting-party  of  Majors  Gaines 
and  Borland  at  the  time  of  its  capture  by  the  Mexicans.  It  was 
composed  of  three  companies  of  the  Kentucky  and  Arkansas  cavalry, 
and  numbered  about  seventy.  At  a  considerable  distance  from 
camp,  they  were  surrounded  by  about  two  thousand  horsemen,  un 
der  General  Minon,  and  induced  to  surrender,  on  promise  of  being 
treated  as  prisoners  of  war.  The  whole  party  were  then  conducted 
under  a  strong  escort  toward  the  city  of  Mexico.  One  officer,  how 
ever,  escaped — he  was  Captain  Henrie. 

His  escape  affords  one  of  those  daring  incidents  of  war,  so  par 
ticularly  fitted  to  the  genius  of  the  American  character. 

He  was  very  anxious  for  a  fight,  and,  with  Captain  Cassius  M. 
Clay,  strongly  dissuaded  Major  Gaines  from  surrendering.  He 
told  the  men  to  count  their  bullets,  and  if  they  had  one  for  every  two 
Mexicans,  it  was  a  fair  game,  and  he  would  go  it.  He  also  cau 
tioned  them  to  hit  the  Mexicans  below  their  beards,  that  they  might 
frighten  off  the  others  by  their  groans,  and  to  give  them  as  much 
misery  as  possible.  One  of  the  Mexican  officers,  recognizing  him, 

(273) 


274  CAPTAIN    HENRIE. 

cried  out  in  Spanish,  "  I  shall  have  the  pleasure  of  your  company 
to  the  city  of  Mexico,  Captain  Henrie !"  "  Excuse  me,  senor,  I 
generally  choose  my  own  company ;"  replied  the  cool  and  courtly 
captain. 

It  was  the  second  day  after  their  capture,  and  near  the  town  of 
Salado,  famous  in  Texan  history  as  the  place  of  the  decimation  of 
the  Mier  prisoners,  that  Major  Gaines's  high-spirited  mare  showing 
considerable  restlessness,  the  major  requested  Captain  Henrie,  who 
is  a  famous  rider  of  the  Jack  Hays  school,  to  "  mount  her  and  take 
off  the  wire-edge  of  her  spirit."  The  captain  did  so,  and  riding  up 
to  Captain  Clay,  carelessly  remarked,  "  Clay,  I  am  going  to  make 
a  burst."  The  Mexican  commander,  half  suspecting  his  design, 
placed  additional  forces  at  the  head  and  rear  of  the  column  of  lancers 
within  which  the  prisoners  were  placed,  and  rode  himself  by  the 
side  of  Henrie,  who  would  pace  up  and  down  the  line,  cracking 
jokes  with  the  boys,  and  firing  up  the  spirit  of  the  mare  by  various 
ingenious  manosuvres.  At  last,  Henrie,  seeing  a  favourable  oppor 
tunity,  plunged  his  spurs  deep  into  the  sides  of  the  noble  blood,  and 
rushing  against  and  knocking  down  three  or  four  of  the  mustangs 
with  their  lancers,  started  off  in  full  view  of  the  whole  party,  at  a 
rate  of  speed  equal  to  the  best  time  that  Boston  or  Fashion  ever 
made.  After  him  rushed  a  dozen  well-mounted  lancers,  who,  firing 
their  escopetas  at  him,  started  off  in  close  pursuit.  But  it  was  no 
race  at  all  —  the  Kentucky  blood  was  too  much  for  the  mustang. 
The  lancers  were  soon  distanced,  and  the  last  view  they  got  of 
Henrie,  he  was  flying  up  a  steep  mountain,  waving  his  white  hand 
kerchief,  and  crying  out  in  a  voice  which  echoed  afar  off  through 
the  valley,  "Adios,  senores — adios,  sen  ores !" 

The  prisoners,  forgetting  their  situation,  gave  three  loud  cheers 
as  they  saw  the  gallant  Henrie  leaving  his  pursuers  far  behind,  and 
safely  placed  beyond  their  reach.  The  subsequent  adventures  and 
sufferings  of  Henrie  are  well-known.  After  many  narrow  escapes 
from  the  enemy  and  starvation,  and  after  losing  his  noble  mare,  he 
arrived  safely  at  camp,  and  gave  the  first  authentic  intelligence  of 
the  capture  of  Majors  Gaines  and  Borland's  party. 


GENERAL  TAYLOR'S 

RECEPTION  AT  NEW  ORLEANS. 


THE  following  is  a  full  description  of  the  late  reception  of  General 
Taylor  at  New  Orleans,  the  first  place  at  which  he  arrived  in  his 
journey  homeward : 

On  the  3d  of  December,  agreeably  to  previous  arrangements,  the 
steamship  Mary  Kingsland  was  despatched  at  nine  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  with  the  committee  of  the  Municipal  Councils,  to  conduct 
the  general  to  the  city. 

About  half  an  hour  later  a  number  of  steamers,  many  of  them 
tastefully  decorated,  and  filled  with  passengers,  darted  forth  from 
the  wharves  of  the  First  and  Second  Municipalities,  and  proceeded 
down  the  river  for  the  purpose  of  uniting  in  the  triumphal  progress 
of  the  hero.  As  they  passed  the  barracks  their  cannon  gave  forth 
a  joyous  welcome.  They  then  gracefully  rounded  to,  the  majestic 
Missouri  leading  in  the  van.  The  decks  of  this  noble  boat,  so  often 
compared  to  a  floating  palace,  were  thronged  with  ladies  and  gentle 
men,  to  the  number  of  at  least  three  hundred,  all  eager  to  greet  the 
valiant  chieftain  with  "  a  welcome  home." 

Running  close  aboard  the  Kingsland,  at  the  landing,  the  Missouri 
threw  our  her  lines,  and  enabled  her  passengers  to  exchange  salu 
tations  for  a  few  moments  with  the  war-worn  veteran.  He  was 
standing  on  one  of  the  guards  of  the  Kingsland,  and  with  his  stalwart 
form  distinguished  from  all  others,  his  firm,  erect,  and  military  posi 
tion,  his  head  uncovered,  and  his  grey  hairs  streaming  in  the  wind, 
he  looked,  indeed,  like  a  conquering  hero  of  the  olden  time.  The 
cheers  that  greeted  him  could  have  been  heard  in  the  distant  forest, 
while  the  waving  handkerchiefs  and  glancing  smiles  of  nearly  au 

(275) 


276  RECEPTION    OF   TAYLOR 

hundred  ladies,  testified  the  sincerity  with  which  they  joined  in  the 
admiration  that  heroism  and  bravery  have  ever  won  from  those 
whose  smiles  the  soldier  deems  his  best  reward. 

The  Kingsland  then  got  under  weigh,  and  led  the  procession  to 
the  city.  A  dozen  steamboats  and  the  noble  packet-ship  America, 
towering  above  the  fleet,  and  adorned  with  variegated  flags  —  the 
moving  panorama  of  the  shores  lined  with  vessels  that  were  crowded 
from  the  deck  to  the  mast-head,  and  decorated  with  banners  of 
every  nation  mingling  with  the  stars  and  stripes — the  smoke  of  the 
thundering  cannon  and  the  masses  of  the  cheering  populace  —  all 
combined  to  present  a  scene  of  unique  and  striking  splendour.  A 
rainbow  broke  into  fragments  and  scattered  over  the  sparkling 
vyaters,  might  have  appeared  tame  in  comparison. 

After  running  the  whole  length  of  the  city,  and  receiving  a  cor 
dial  greeting  from  the  assembled  population  of  Lafayette,  at  its  land 
ing,  the  Kingsland  returned  and  rounded  to  at  the  Place  d'Armes. 

The  whole  of  the  Place  d'Armes  and  the  vicinity  appeared  like 
a  perfect  sea  of  heads.  The  grand  triumphal  arch,  erected  in  the 
centre,  reflected  great  credit  on  the  parties  who  designed  and  exe 
cuted  it.  The  name  of  the  hero  and  his  various  victories  were  dis 
played  upon  it,  in  large  gilded  letters,  and  the  frame  of  the  arch 
was  completely  covered  with  evergreens,  the  whole  forming  a  most 
beautiful  and  finished  production. 

A  grand  salute  of  one  hundred  guns  from  each  Municipality, 
announced  his  landing  and  reception  by  the  Mayor  and  civil  autho 
rities  in  the  Place  d'Armes,  where  the  Mayor  made  him  the  follow 
ing  address : 

General:  In  behalf  of  the  city  of  New  Orleans,  which  I  have 
the  honour  to  represent  on  this  occasion,  it  is  my  pleasing  office  to 
welcome  your  happy  return  to  your  country  and  your  home  ;  and 
in  behalf  of  the  Municipal  Councils,  I  tender  to  you  the  hospitality 
of  this  city,  whilst  it  is  your  pleasure  to  remain  among  us. 

No  circumstance  could  have  filled  our  hearts  with  more  joy  than 
we  now  feel  in  having  the  opportunity  to  express  to  you  our  grati 
tude  for  the  distinguished  services  you  have  rendered  our  country. 
The  brilliant  achievements  performed  in  Mexico  by  the  fearless  and 
daring  band  that  you  have  led  from  victory  to  victory,  have  inspired 
us  with  feelings  which  no  language  is  sufficiently  powerful  to  con- 
vev.  For  such  achievements,  General,  every  true  American  heart, 


AT    NEW    ORLEANS.  277 

from  one  extremity  to  the  other  of  this  republic,  is  filled  with  grati 
tude  and  admiration.  Wherever  you  direct  your  steps,  upon  any 
spot  where  the  star-spangled  banner  triumphantly  expands  its  folds 
to  the  breeze,  you  will  find  a  nation's  love  to  greet  you — you  will, 
bear  a  whole  people's  spontaneous  applause  to  extol  the  splendour 
of  your  deeds,  which  your  modesty  would  in  vain  endeavour  to 
weaken  in  your  own  eyes. 

Again,  General,  I  bid  you  a  hearty  welcome,  in  the  name  of  all 
the  citizens  of  New  Orleans. 

The  general  was  evidently  and  deeply  affected  by  his  reception, 
but  promptly  made  the  following  reply,  with  much  feeling: 

Mr.  Mayor :  The  welcome  which  I  meet  this  day,  from  the  peo 
ple  of  New  Orleans,  announced  by  you,  their  honoured  representa 
tive,  overwhelms  me  with  feelings  which  no  words  can  express. 

You  have  been  pleased  to  qualify,  with  terms  of  the  highest  ap 
probation,  the  services  of  the  army  which  I  have  had  the  honour  to 
command  in  Mexico.  Could  those  brave  officers  and  soldiers,  whose 
gallantry  achieved  the  successes  to  which  you  refer,  be  present  on 
this  occasion,  and  witness  the  grand  outpourings  of  gratitude  which 
their  devotion  has  elicited,  the  measure  of  my  satisfaction  would  be 
complete.  For  them  and  myself,  I  thank,  from  my  heart,  the  peo 
ple  of  New  Orleans,  and  accept,  Mr.  Mayor,  the  offer  of  their  hos 
pitality. 

The  general  then  proceeded  to  the  cathedral,  where  Te  Deum 
was  sung,  and  Bishop  Blanc  made  him  a  short,  but  very  neat  ad 
dress,  in  which  he  complimented  him  and  his  army  for  their  skill 
and  valour  in  battle,  and  still  more  for  their  humanity,  moderation, 
and  forbearance  in  victory,  with  a  very  appropriate  allusion  to  the 
protection  and  care  of  Providence,  under  the  various  trying  circum 
stances  in  which  he  had  been  placed ;  to  which  address,  General 
Taylor  made  a  very  excellent  and  feeling  reply. 

After  the  ceremonies  in  the  cathedra]  were  concluded,  the  pro 
cession  was  formed,  and  made  a  most  imposing  display,  both  of  the 
various  civic  and  military  bodies ;  and  after  proceeding  through  the 
whole  of  the  route  designated  in  the  programme,  halted  at  the  St. 
Charles,  where  General  Taylor  alighted,  and  accompanied  by  his 
honour  the  Mayor,  and  other  of  the  civil  authorities,  took  his  sta 
tion  between  the  pillars  of  the  grand  colonnade,  when  the  whole 
procession  passed  before  and  below  him,  and  then  separated. 
24 


278  RECEPTION    OF   TAYLOR 

The  whole  of  the  colonnade,  the  pavement  below,  the  street  in 
front,  the  windows  of  the  St.  Charles,  the  doors  of  all  the  buildings 
near,  the  large  galleries  of  the  verandah,  and  the  neighbouring 
streets,  presented  one  mass  of  human  beings ;  so  dense  was  the 
crowd,  that  the  procession  was  frequently  brought  to  a  complete 
pause  by  the  pressure  and  inability  to  proceed.  The  cheering  was 
loud  and  incessant,  and  there  seemed  no  bounds  to  the  delight  and 
enthusiasm  of  the  congregated  multitude. 

At  length  the  procession  had  passed,  and  as  the  general  turned  to 
enter  the  hotel,  the  long,  loud,  and  continued  cheer,  made  the  very 
welkin  ring. 

The  general  retired  to  his  private  parlour,  where  a  crowd  of 
friends  and  citizens  paid  their  respects  to  him  until  about  seven 
o'clock,  when  he  was  conducted  to  the  grand  banqueting  hall  of  the 
St.  Charles,  where,  with  a  company  of  about  two  hundred  and  fifty 
guests,  he  sat  down  to  the  splendid  dinner  given  to  him  by  the  city 
authorities.  Every  thing  connected  with  the  feast  was  arranged 
with  taste,  splendour,  and  profusion,  for  which  Messrs.  Mudge  and 
Wilson  are  so  justly  celebrated. 

The  centre  of  a  small  cross  table  at  the  head  of  the  centre  one, 
was  occupied  by  his  Honour,  the  Mayor,  with  General  Taylor  on 
his  right,  and  his  Excellency,  Governor  Johnston,  on  his  left,  and 
that  veteran  distinguished  officer,  Colonel  Belknap,  occupying  one 
end  of  it,  and  Major-General  Lewis  the  other.  Recorder  Baldwin 
was  at  the  head  of  one  of  the  long  side  tables,  and  acting  Recorder 
Barthe  at  the  head  of  the  other. 

The  following  were  the  regular  toasts  which  were  announced  by 
the  Mayor,  and  all  drank  with  due  honour  to  each  : — 

1.  The  President  of  the  United  States.-— Music,  Hail  Columbia. 

2.  Our  Country — May  she  always  be  right ;  but,  right  or  wrong 
our  Country. — Music,  Star- Spangled  Banner, 

3.  Major-General  Zachary  Taylor. — Music,  Hail  to  the  Chief. 

4.  The  Army  of  the  United  States. — Music,  Washington1  s  March. 

5.  The  Navy  of  the  United  States. — Music,  Yankee  Doodle. 

6.  The  Governor  of  Louisiana. — Music,  Jackson's  March. 

7.  Major-General  Scott. — Music,  General  Scott's  March. 

8.  The  Hero  of  Contreras — Louisiana's  favourite  son — General 
Persifor  F.  Smith. — Music,  Go  where  Glory  waits  thee. 

9.  The  Memory  of  Washington. — Music,  Dead  March  in  Saul. 


AT   NEW  ORLEANS.  279 

10.  The  Heroes  of  the  Revolution. — Music,  Auld  Lang  Syne. 

11.  The  Memory  of  General  Jackson. — Music,  Marseilles  Hymn. 

12.  The  Memory  of  the  Gallant  Officers  and  Soldiers  who  have 
fallen  in  the  War  with  Mexico. — Music,  Rosslyn  Castle. 

13.  The  Ladies. — Music,  Home,  Sweet  Home. 

When  the  third  toast  was  given,  we  verily  thought  the  ceiling 
would  crumble  in  ruins  upon  our  heads ;  for,  of  the  many  joyous 
shouts  with  which  that  spacious  hall  has  resounded,  such  a  one  as 
then  arose  was  never  before  heard  within  its  limits. 

Hardly  less  loud  or  less  cordial  was  the  reception  of  the  toast  of 
our  own  gallant  townsman,  General  P.  F.  Smith,  as  the  rafters  shook 
under  the  shout  that  ascended  on  the  mention  of  his  name. 

The  General,  evidently  affected,  rose  and  made  a  very  neat  and 
pretty  speech,  which  he  concluded  with  the  following  sentiment : 

"  The  Citizens  of  New  Orleans  —  Unsurpassed  for  their  Hospi 
tality,  Intelligence  and  Enterprise." 

The  health  of  General  Johnston  was  received  with  great  applause, 
to  which  he  responded  in  a  few  remarks,  and  gave : 

"  The  people  of  Louisiana — Who  know  so  well  how  to  welcome 
home  a  Hero  from  the  recent  scenes  of  his  Glory." 

General  Taylor,  with  the  Mayor  and  city  dignitaries,  left  at  an 
early  hour,  to  visit,  agreeably  to  previous  arrangements,  the  different 
theatres.  Colonel  Labuzan,  the  Grand  Marshal  of  the  day,  took 
the  chair,  and  the  festivities  of  the  evening  were  continued  under 
him. 

The  General  first  visited  the  St.  Charles,  then  the  American,  and 
latterly  the  Orleans ;  at  all  of  which  he  was  received  with  thunder 
ing  applause,  by  crowded  audiences. 

The  St.  Charles  Hotel  was  brilliantly  illuminated,  and  displayed 
many  excellent  transparencies,  with  an  exhibition  of  fireworks. 

Fireworks  were  also  exhibited  at  the  Place  d'Armes  and  Lafay 
ette  Square,  closing  the  highly  interesting  and  exciting  ceremonies 
of  the  day,  of  which  the  above  sketch  is  a  very  meagre  one,  and 
can  give  but  a  faint  idea  of  the  reality. 

The  magnificent  sword,  voted  by  the  Legislature  of  Louisiana, 
was  presented  to  General  Taylor  on  the  4th  by  Governor  Johnston. 
Speaking  of  the  speeches  and  imposing  ceremonies  of  the  occasion, 
the  Delta  says : 

"  This  beautiful  speech  of  his  Excellency  was  frequently  inter 


280  TAYLOR'S  RECEPTION 

rupted  by  the  loud  and  involuntary  applause  of  the  persons  present. 
Its  delivery  was  highly  impressive  and  effective.  The  fine  person, 
manly  and  benignant  countenance,  easy  and  warm  address  of  his 
Excellency,  together  with  his  splendid  uniform,  added  greatly  to 
the  effect  of  this  address.  During  the  delivery  the  old  General 
seemed  deeply  affected,  and  gave  expression  to  the  intensity  of  his 
emotion  by  the  heaving  of  his  chest  and  the  quivering  of  his  lip. 
He  replied,  that  he  felt  so  deeply  this  manifestation  of  the  respect 
and  admiration  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State  in  which  he  had  so 
long  resided,  and  was  so  deeply  impressed  by  the  eloquent  compli 
ments  of  the  Governor,  that  he  felt  an  embarrassment  which  ren 
dered  him  almost  speechless.  Had  he  the  talent  and  command  of 
beautiful  language  and  eloquent  thoughts  of  his  friend,  he  might  be 
able  to  express  what  he  really  and  profoundly  felt  —  the  warmest 
gratitude  to  the  representatives  and  people  of  Louisiana,  for  this 
testimony  of  their  good  feeling.  Forty  years  spent  almost  exclu 
sively  in  the  camp,  had  disqualified  him  for  the  task  of  the  orator ; 
he  would  therefore  content  himself  by  handing  a  written  address,  in 
response  to  the  speech  of  his  Excellency.  He  would,  however,  beg 
to  add  a  few  words  on  a  subject  which  had  been  referred  to  by  the 
Governor :  he  alluded  to  the  large  and  splendid  corps  of  volunteers 
that  had  so  promptly  rushed  to  his  aid,  when  it  was  believed  that 
he  was  in  great  peril  on  the  Rio  Grande.  He  had  always  felt  deeply 
grateful  for  this  timely  reinforcement ;  and  it  was  one  of  the  most 
painful  events  of  the  campaign  that  he  was  compelled,  from  a  fear 
that  they  would  suffer  by  the  disease  incident  to  camp  life,  and  from 
his  inability  to  lead  them  into  immediate  action,  to  consent  to  their 
return  to  their  homes  and  families." 

The  following  is  the  written  reply  of  General  Taylor : 
"Governor:  —  In  accepting  the  magnificent  sword  of  honour 
which  it  has  pleased  the  state  of  Louisiana,  through  her  representa 
tives,  to  confer  upon  me,  I  am  sensible  that  no  form  of  words  can 
give  adequate  expression  to  my  feelings.  To  receive  from  any 
quarter  a  testimonial  conveying  such  appreciation  of  services  ren 
dered,  would  be  a  reward  enough  for  the  highest  ambition  —  but 
there  are  circumstances  which  give  this  peculiar  value.  The  name 
of  Louisiana  is  identified  with  the  signal  victory  which  crowned  our 
arms  at  the  close  of  the  war  of  1812 ;  it  again  appears  in  bright 
relief  in  the  Florida  war  —  and  among  the  many  associations  con- 


AT   NEW   ORLEANS.  281 

nected  with  the  victories  which  this  sword  is  designed  specially  to 
commemorate,  none  are  more  grateful  to  my  heart  than  those  which 
call  up  the  glorious  enthusiasm  of  the  Louisiana  volunteers.  If  any 
thing  could  add  weight  to  these  considerations,  it  would  be,  that  in 
Louisiana  I  have  many  cherished  personal  friends,  and  that  this  tri 
bute  of  respect  seems  to  come,  not  from  strangers,  but  from  those 
whom  I  have  known  from  youth.  It  shall  be  preserved  by  me, 
and  by  my  children,  as  a  possession  beyond  all  price. 

"  Through  you,  Governor,  I  return  my  heartfelt  thanks  to  the  peo 
ple  of  Louisiana ;  and  beg  that  you  will,  at  the  same  time,  accept 
my  warm  acknowledgments  for  the  prompt  and  patriotic  support 
which,  in  your  official  capacity,  you  have  always  extended  to  our 
army  in  Mexico." 

The  speeches  being  over,  the  general  shook  hands  with  the  gov 
ernor  and  many  of  the  persons  present,  and  then  retired.  Thus 
closed  a  scene  which,  for  deep,  solemn,  earnest  interest  and  effect, 
was  never  exceeded  by  any  similar  spectacle  we  have  ever  wit 
nessed. 

Immediately  after  the  ceremonies  of  offering  the  hospitalities  of 
the  city  to  him,  the  general,  accompanied  by  as  many  persons  as 
could  get  into  the  church,  entered  the  cathedral.  Bishop  Blanc, 
attended  by  his  clergy  in  rich  pontifical  robes,  awaited  the  arrival 
of  the  old  hero,  and  when  he  reached  the  foot  of  the  altar,  addressed 
him  as  follows  :  — 

General:  —  When  the  late  illustrious  hero  of  Chalmette,  after  his 
miraculous  victory,  was  triumphantly  received  in  our  city,  he  came 
into  this  holy  temple  as  you  do  this  day,  to  pay  an  humble  tribute 
of  thanks  to  Him  who  calls  himself,  in  the  Holy  Writ,  "the  God 
of  Hosts,"  thus  acknowledging,  as  you  now  do,  that  it  is  God  alone 
who  dispenses  victories,  according  to  the  unsearchable  designs  of  his 
all-wise  providence.  On  the  present,  as  well  as  on  the  former  occa 
sion,  general,  such  Christian-like  sentiments  could  not  but  elicit,  on 
the  part  of  the  Catholic  clergy  of  New  Orleans,  a  cheerful  and  fer 
vent  co-operation  in  the  discharge  of  the  solemn  duty  for  which  we 
are  all  convened  here.  But  while  as  Christian  ministers  we  will 
give  glory  to  God  for  the  brilliant  success  of  our  arms  in  the  Mexi 
can  war,  we  may  be  permitted  to  join  with  our  fellow-citizens  in 
the  expression  of  their  admiration  for  the  magnanimous  hero  who, 
raising  with  a  fnm  hand  the  glorious  banner  of  our  country,  traced 
24* 


282  TAYLOR'S  RECEPTION 

the  way  to  our  undaunted  band  and  led  them  through  the  hardships 
of  a  glorious  war,  to  the  victories  of  Palo  Alto,  Resaca  de  la  Palma, 
Monterey,  and  Buena  Vista. 

Our  admiration,  however,  should  not  be  confined  to  the  mere 
recital  of  your  victories,  for,  indeed,  we  were  all  prepared  to  hear 
that  our  gallant  soldiers  were  invincible  whenever  led  to  the  field 
of  battle  by  one  who  knew  how  to  command  over  them.  What  excites 
our  admiration  most  is  the  spirit  of  consideration  and  magnanimity 
which  you  have  uniformly  displayed  towards  j^our  defeated  foes. 
By  such  humane  and  generous  course  you  have,  general,  exalted 
the  good  name  of  our  happy  republic,  for  you  have  shown  to  the 
world  that  the  present  war  never  was  intended,  on  our  part,  as  a 
war  of  conquest  or  destruction.  Under  so  glorious  auspices  you 
may  well  retire,  for  a  time,  general,  and  while  surrounded  with  the 
admiration  of  the  world  abroad,  you  will  enjoy  at  home  the  respect 
and  love  of  your  fellow-citizens  and  the  gratefulness  of  your  country, 
our  most  fervent  prayer  shall  be  that  Almighty  God  would  bestow 
upon  us,  after  the  wonderful  achievements  and  a  prompt  termination 
of  a  direful  war,  the  precious  blessing  of  a  lasting  and  honourable 
peace  ;  and  at  the  same  time  that  he  would  pour  upon  you,  general, 
and  upon  all  our  chivalrous  soldiers,  the  choicest  of  his  temporal 
and  eternal  blessings. 

We  extract  the  following  additional  items  from  the  New  Orleans 
Times,  of  the  4th  inst. 

The  committee  of  arrangements,  with  a  taste  that  really  brought 
forth  one  burst  of  admiration  from  all  who  contemplated  their  work, 
had  caused  to  be  constructed,  in  honour  of  the  occasion,  a  Triumphal 
Arch  in  the  middle  of  the  Place  d'Armes,  seemingly  on  the  model 
of  those  far-famed  arches  of  antiquity,  the  monuments  of  the  glory, 
the  taste,  and  the  science  of  past  ages ;  and  of  dimensions,  as  we 
judge,  equal  to  the  colossal  structure  of  the  same  kind  at  Paris,  at 
the  Barriere  de  VEtoile.  The  summit  was  crowned  with  an  eagle, 
richly  gilt ;  in  front  and  rear,  just  under  the  entablature,  extending 
the  whole  length,  were  the  words  "  Welcome  /"  and,  on  the  other 
parts,  the  names  of  the  great  battles  which  General  Taylor  had 
won,  from  the  opening  of  the  present  war.  The  American  flag,  of 
course,  floated  from  the  summit ;  a  profusion  of  brush,  or  evergreen, 
gave  it  a  beautiful  verdant  appearance ;  and  some  young  pines  were 
placed  erect  on  the  top,  flanking  the  ever-glorious  stars  and  stripes. 


AT   NEW    ORLEANS.  283 

Through  the  central  arch,  the  hero  was  conveyed  to  the  cathedral, 
modestly  expressing  his  deep  sense  of  the  attachment  of  his  fellow- 
citizens,  thus  so  conspicuously  evinced. 

At  night,  in  each  square  of  the  municipalities,  a  grand  exhibition 
of  fireworks  took  place,  which  attracted  thousands  of  our  fellow-citi 
zens  of  both  sexes,  affording  an  apt  conclusion  to  a  most  brilliant 
day,  such  as  a  free  people,  proud  in  the  consciousness  of  its  sove 
reignty,  is  ever  happy  to  accord  to  a  public  benefactor. 

General  Taylor,  accompanied  by  a  considerable  number  of  friends, 
including  his  staff,  members  of  the  committees,  &c.,  visited  succes 
sively  the  St.  Charles,  the  American,  and  the  Orleans  theatres, 
where  he  was  enthusiastically  received  by  crowded  audiences. 
The  orchestra  at  each  place  of  amusement  played  the  national  airs. 
The  ladies,  for  here  they  are  in  their  appropriate  places,  in  point  of 
display,  for  grace  and  the  thousand  nameless  charms  incident  to 
beauty  in  full  costume,  dispensed  their  applause  without  stint,  on 
the  veteran  champion  of  their  clime  and  race. 

The  Delta,  noticing  his  visit  to  the  St.  Charles  theatre,  says : 

The  act — the  exquisite  yet  peculiar  French  politeness — of  Made 
moiselle  Dimier,  as  he  took  his  seat  in  the  St.  Charles,  was  indeed  de 
serving  of  all  praise.  The  brave  old  general  paid  much  attention  to  her 
"  poetry  of  motion,"  and,  on  the  execution  of  a  favourite  pirouette, 
threw  to  her  on  the  stage  a  bouquet  which  he  held  in  his  hand. 
The  amiable  young  French  woman,  determined  not  to  be  outdone 
in  courtesy,  selected  one  —  the  best  from  a  shower  of  boquets  flung 
to  her  on  the  stage,  and  with  a  respectful  courtesy  presented  it  to 
the  laureled  chief.  He  looked  at  the  moment  as  if  he  had  gained 
a  Buena  Vista  victory  on  the  field  of  beauty. 

The  same  paper  thus  describes  the  personal  appearance  of  Gen 
eral  Taylor  and  his  military  family  : 

We  found  the  general  looking  as  sturdy  and  hardy  as  ever.  His 
long  campaign  has  somewhat  reduced  him  in  flesh,  but  still  he  looks 
healthier  and  younger  than  when  he  passed  through  our  city  some 
two  years  and  a  half  ago.  That  good-natured,  honest,  and  yet  de 
termined  expression,  still  characterizes  a  face  in  which  symmetry 
and  comeliness  are  not  sought  after  and  therefore  not  missed — a  face 
browned  and  roughened  by  the  exposure  of  a  long  and  trying  cam 
paign,  during  which  he  has  never  slept  beneath  a  roof  or  within 
walls.  The  general  was  dressed  in  his  usual  plain  and  rather  well- 


284  RECEPTION    OF   TAYLOR. 

worn  undress  uniform,  simple  glazed  cap,  and  wore  his  brigadier's 
sword.  His  aids  are  two  fine-looking,  intelligent  young  officers. 
Major  Bliss,  whose  name  is  so  familiar  to  the  public  as  the  constant 
companion  of  the  old  hero  through  all  his  battles  and  campaigns, 
has  a  face  indicative  of  a  reflective  and  meditative  order  of  mind, 
rather  than  of  those  military  talents  which  he  is  known  to  possess. 
But  his  manners  have  the  off-hand  ease  and  self-possession  of  the 
accomplished  and  experienced  officer.  Captain  Eaton  is  a  younger 
looking  officer,  of  manly  bearing  and  intelligent  countenance. 
Colonel  Belknap,  who  was  distinguished  in  the  late  war,  and  also 
in  the  battles  of  Palo  Alto  and  Resaca,  where  he  commanded  a  bri 
gade,  and  where  he  led  the  gallant  8th  Infantry  in  their  charge 
upon  the  enemy's  cannon,  is  a  large,  portly  gentleman,  who  looked 
as  if  he  could  wield  a  broadsword  with  most  destructive  effect.  His 
aid,  Captain  Clark,  is  a  young  and  very  handsome  officer,  who  has 
attained  to  considerable  distinction  in  the  army  for  his  valour  and 
talents. 

On  the  5th  the  general  left  New  Orleans  in  the  steamboat  Mis 
souri  on  his  way  to  Baton  Rouge.  After  remaining  a  short  time 
with  his  family,  it  is  his  intention  to  visit  his  country-seat  on  the 
Mississippi,  and  remain  there  in  readiness  to  depart  for  Mexico, 
should  his  services  again  be  required. 

The  following  item  of  news  contains,  perhaps,  the  highest  com 
pliment  ever  conferred  upon  General  Taylor : 

General  Minon  is  at  Guatemala  with  five  hundred  cavalry,  act 
ing  as  a  corps  of  observation  for  General  Filisola,  whom  he  repre 
sents  as  being  in  San  Luis  with  nine  thousand  troops.  It  is  rumored 
that  Filisola  intends  to  march  upon  Saltillo,  in  consequence  of  Gen 
eral  Taylor  having  left  the  country.  The  Mexicans  have  great 
confidence  in  this  officer,  and  the  people  of  San  Luis  were  presum 
ing  largely  upon  the  weakness  of  our  forces,  when  once  from  under 
the  guidance  of  the  dreaded  Taylor.  They  seem  not  at  all  dispirited 
by  the  loss  of  their  capital,  but  evince  as  strong  a  determination  as 
ever  to  continue  the  conflict. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  SCOTT, 

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF  OF  THE  AMERICAN  ARMY. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WINFIELD  SCOTT  is  a  native  of  Virginia,  born 
near  Petersburg,  June  13th,  1786.  The  accounts  of  his  early  life 
are  few  and  meagre.  He  passed  through  the  Richmond  High- 
School,  and  afterwards  studied  law  at  William  and  Mary  College. 
His  military  career  began  in  1807,  on  the  reception  of  news  con 
cerning  the  Chesapeake,  when  he  became  a  volunteer  member  of 
the  Petersburg  troop  of  horse.  On  the  3d  of  May,  1808,  he  was 
commissioned  as  captain  of  light  artillery,  and  has  remained  in  the 
army  ever  since.  When  the  war  of  1812  commenced,  he  had  al 
ready  advanced  to  the  rank  of  lieutenant-colonel. 

At  the  battle  of  Glueenstown  Heights,  Scott  gave  assurance  of  his 
future  military  usefulness.  After  behaving  in  the  most  gallant 
manner,  his  command  of  three  hundred  men  became  separated  from 
the  main  body,  and  were  attacked  by  thirteen  hundred  British  and 
Indians.  He  defended  himself  for  a  long  while,  but  was  at  length 
taken  prisoner,  and  carried  with  his  troops  to  Quebec.  While 
here,  he  challenged  the  respect  of  the  British  officers,  by  his  inde 
pendent  and  soldier-like  bearing.  His  rescue  of  the  Irish  prisoners 
is  well  known ;  and  many  other  anecdotes  are  related  of  him  during 
this  confinement.  In  a  little  while  he  was  exchanged  and  sent  to 
Boston. 

In  the  following  year,  Scott  was  engaged  in  a  still  more  glorious 
affair  at  Fort  Grey.  In  the  passage  of  the  river,  before  taking  this 
place,  he  led  the  van  and  rushed  up  the  steep  Canadian  bank  amid 
a  shower  of  balls,  and  drove  the  British  into  the  woods.  At  the 
fort,  he  tore  down  the  flag  with  his  own  hands,  and  afterward  pui  • 
sued  the  enemy  until  evening. 

(11) 


12  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

The  summer  passed  without  any  attack  from  the  British,  and, 
burning  for  active  operations,  Scott  was  permitted  by  General  Wilk 
inson  to  resign  the  command  of  Fort  George,  which  he  then  held, 
to  General  McClure,  and  join  the  main  army  at  Sackett's  Harbour ; 
marching  to  the  mouth  of  the  Genesee- river,  where  the  commander- 
in-chief  promised  that  transports  should  meet  him.  In  this,  how 
ever,  Scott  was  disappointed,  and  he  was  compelled  to  advance  over 
roads  almost  impassable  along  the  whole  distance  from  Niagara  to 
the  St.  Lawrence.  Leaving  his  column  near  Utica,  under  the  com 
mand  of  Major  Hindman,  Scott  hastened  forward  himself,  reached 
the  St.  Lawrence  at  Ogdensburg  on  the  6th  November,  in  time  to 
take  part  in  the  descent,  and  was  appointed  to  command  the  ad 
vance  guard ;  and  owing  to  his  being  in  advance,  had  no  part  in  the 
indecisive  battle  of  Chrystler's  Field,  or  the  events  which  took 
place  in  the  rear.  He  did,  however,  encounter  and  overcome  se 
vere  resistance  at  the  Hoophole  creek,  near  Cornwall,  where  he 
routed  a  nearly  equal  British  force  under  Colonel  Dennis — making 
many  prisoners,  and  pursuing  the  fugitives  till  night ;  and  also  at 
Fort  Matilda,  erected  to  guard  the  narrowest  part  of  the  river.  He 
took  the  fort,  its  commander,  and  many  of  his  men.  But  with  vic 
tory  within  his  grasp  —  for  there  was  no  force  between  Scott  and 
Montreal  which  could  have  arrested  his  march  six  hours,  and  no 
garrison  in  Montreal  that  could  have  obstructed  his  entry  —  he,  as 
well  as  the  nation,  was  doomed  to  disappointment,  by  the  incom 
petency  and  the  quarrels  of  two  of  its  generals  —  Wilkinson  and 
Wade  Hampton :  Wilkinson  ordering  a  retreat  because  Hampton 
would  not  join  him  with  his  detachment,  and  Hampton  refusing  to 
join,  because,  as  he  alleged,  provisions  were  insufficient ;  the  cam 
paign  closed  in  disaster.  But  it  was  brilliantly  redeemed  by  that 
of  the  following  year. 

On  the  9th  of  March,  1814,  Colonel  Scott  was  promoted  to  the 
rank  of  brigadier,  and  immediately  joined  General  Brown,  then  in 
full  march  from  French  Mills  to  the  Niagara  frontier.  Brown,  who 
was  an  able  but  self-taught  commander,  perceiving  the  need  of  in 
struction  and  discipline,  left  the  camp  expressly  for  the  purpose  of 
giving  the  command  to  General  Scott,  and  enabling  him  to  carry 
out  a  system  of  instruction  and  discipline  with  the  troops  as  they 
assembled  at  Buffalo.  For  more  than  three  months  this  duty  was 
assiduously  and  most  successfully  discharged  by  General  Scott. 


BATTLE    OF    CHIPPEWA.  13 

Now  it  was  that  the  knowledge  of  the  art  of  war,  wnich  he  had 
so  sedulously  acquired  during  his  year  of  suspension,  came  into 
play.  He  personally  drilled  and  instructed  all  the  officers,  and  then 
in  turn  superintended  them  as  they  instructed  the  soldiers.  By  as 
siduous  labour,  he  succeeded,  at  the  end  of  three  months,  in  pre 
senting  in  the  field  an  army  skilful  in  manoeuvres,  and  confident  alike 
in  their  officers  and  in  themselves.  When  all  was  ready  for  action, 
General  Brown  resumed  the  command.  The  army  was  crossed 
over  to  Canada  in  two  brigades,  Scott's  and  Ripley's,  the  former 
below,  the  latter  above  Fort  Erie,  which  almost  immediately  sur 
rendered,  and  then  marched  to  attack  the  main  British  army,  lying 
behind  the  Chippewa  river,  under  the  command  of  General  Riall. 
On  the  morning  of  the  4th  of  July — auspicious  day  ! — Scott's  bri 
gade,  several  hours  in  advance,  fell  in  with  the  100th  regiment, 
British,  commanded  by  the  Marquis  of  Tweedale,  and  kept  up  a 
running  fight  with  it  till  it  was  driven  across  the  Chippewa.  Scott 
encamped  for  the  night  behind  Street's  creek,  about  two  miles  from 
the  British  camp,  behind  the  Chippewa,  with  a  level  plain  extend 
ing  between,  skirted  on  the  east  by  the  Niagara  river,  on  the  west 
by  woods. 

On  the  5th — a  bright,  hot  day — the  morning  began  with  skir 
mishing  in  the  woods,  between  the  New  York  volunteers,  under 
General  Porter,  and  the  British  irregulars  ;  and  it  was  not  till  four 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  just  as  Scott,  despairing  of  bringing 
on  an  action  that  day,  was  drawing  out  his  brigade  on  the  plain  for 
drill,  that  General  Brown,  who  had  been  reconnoitring  on  the  left 
flank,  and  perceived  that  the  main  body  of  the  British  army  was 
moving  forward,  rode  up  to  General  Scott,  and  said,  "  The  enemy  is 
advancing ;  you  will  have  a  fight :"  and  without  giving  any  order, 
such  was  his  reliance  upon  Scott,  proceeded  to  the  rear  to  bring  up 
Ripley's  brigade.  Scott  immediately  prepared  for  action ;  and  there, 
on  the  plain  of  Chippewa,  with  his  own  brigade  only,  consisting  of 
the  9th,  llth,  and  25th  regiments  of  infantry,  with  a  detachment  of 
the  22d,  Towson's  company  of  artillery,  and  Porter's  volunteers— 
in  all,  nineteen  hundred  men — encountered,  routed,  and  pursued  a 
superior  force  of  some  of  the  best  regiments  of  the  British  service 
— the  Royal  Scots,  the  8th  and  100th  regiments,  a  detachment  of 
the  19th  dragoons,  another  of  the  Royal  Artillery,  and  some  Cana 
dian  militia — in  all,  twenty-one  hundred  men.  Here  it  was  that  the 
2  O 


14  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

discipline  so  laboriously  taught  by  Scott,  in  the  camp  of  instruction, 
told ;  and  this  it  was  that  enabled  him,  as  at  a  turning  point  of  the 
battle  he  did,  in  a  voice  rising  above  the  roar  of  artillery,  to  say  to 
McNeil's  battalion  of  the  llth  infantry  : — "  The  enemy  say  that  we 
are  good  at  long  shot,  but  cannot  stand  the  cold  iron.  I  call  upon 
the  Eleventh  instantly  to  give  the  lie  to  the  slander.  Charge !" 
And  they  did  charge ;  and,  aided  by  Leaven  worth's  battalion,  they 
quickly  put  the  enemy  to  rout,  before  the  21st,  of  Ripley's  brigade, 
which  was  hastening  to  take  part  in  the  battle,  or  any  portion  of  that 
brigade,  could  get  up. 

Justly,  indeed,  did  General  Brown,  in  his  official  report  of  the 
battle,  say:  "Brigadier-General  Scott  is  entitled  to  the  highest 
praise  our  country  can  bestow  :  to  him,  more  than  to  any  other  man, 
am  I  indebted  for  the  victory  of  the  5th  of  July."  The  fight  was 
fierce  and  bloody  in  an  unwonted  degree,  the  killed  on  both  sides 
amounting  to  eight  hundred  and  thirty,  out  of  about  four  thousand 
engaged — more  than  one  in  five.  This  action — which  was  chiefly 
valuable  for  the  good  effect  it  produced  upon  the  feelings  of  the  na 
tion,  by  proving  that  in  the  open  field,  and  hand  to  hand,  our  troops 
were  equal  at  least,  and  in  this  instance  had  proved  themselves  su 
perior  to  the  best  troops  of  England  — was  followed  in  just  three 
weeks  by  another,  yet  more  decisive  of  the  courage  and  discipline 
of  the  American  army — that  at  Lundy's  Lane.  General  Riall,  un 
known  to  General  Brown,  had  been  largely  reinforced  by  General 
Drummond  from  below ;  and  when,  on  the  morning  of  the  26th  of 
July,  General  Scott  in  advance,  as  usual,  was  on  a  march  to  attack 
General  Riall's  forces,  he  suddenly  came  upon  the  British  troops, 
which,  reinforced  that  very  day  by  Drummond,  were  themselves 
bent  on  attack.  Scott  had  with  him  but  four  small  battalions,  com 
manded,  respectively,  by  Brady,  Jessup,Leavenworth,  and  McNeil ; 
and  Towson's  artillery,  with  Captain  Harris's  detachment  of  regular 
and  irregular  cavalry — the  whole  column  not  exceeding  thirteen 
hundred  men.  With  this  small  force,  Scott  found  himself  in  pre 
sence  of  a  superior  body.  His  position  was  critical,  but  it  was  pre 
cisely  one  of  those  where  promptness  and  decision  of  action  must 
supply  the  want  of  battalions.  Despatching  officers  to  the  rear  to 
apprise  General  Brown  that  the  whole  British  army  were  before 
him,  General  Scott  at  once  engaged  the  enemy,  who  all  the  while 
believed  they  had  to  do  with  the  whole  of  General  Brown's  army, 


BATTLE  OF  LUNDY'S  LANE.  15 

not  at  all  expecting  that  a  mere  detachment  of  it  would  venture  upon 
the  apparently  desperate  course  of  encountering  such  greatly  su 
perior  numbers  as  the  British  knew  they  had  in  the  field. 

The  battle  began  about  half  an  hour  before  sunset,  within  the 
spray,  almost,  of  the  everlasting  Falls  of  Niagara,  and  beneath  the 
halo  of  its  irradiated  bow  of  promise  and  of  hope.  It  is  recorded 
as  a  fact,  that  the  head  of  our  advancing  column  was  actually  en 
circled  by  this  beautiful  bow,  and  all  took  courage  from  the  omen. 
The  battle  raged  with  unequal  fortune  and  desperate  valour,  till  far 
into  the  night.  When  Miller  made  his  famous  and  decisive  charge 
upon  the  battery  of  the  British,  which  was  the  key  of  their  position, 
darkness  covered  the  earth ;  and  Scott,  who  knew  the  localities, 
piloted  Miller  on  his  way,  till  the  fire  from  the  battery  revealed  its 
position  completely.  Scott  then  resumed  the  attack  in  front,  while 
Miller  gallantly  stormed  and  carried  the  battery,  and  held  it  against 
repeated  charges  from  the  oft-rallied,  but  as  oft-dispersed,  British 
troops.  Twice,  mean  time,  had  Scott  charged  through  the  British 
lines — two  horses  had  been  killed  under  him — he  was  wounded  in 
the  side — and  about  eleven  o'clock  at  night,  on  foot  and  yet  fighting, 
he  was  finally  disabled  by  a  shot,  which  shattered  the  left  shoulder, 
and  he  was  borne  away  about  midnight  from  the  battle ;  his  com 
mander,  General  Brown,  having  been  previously,  in  like  manner, 
carried  away  wounded  from  the  field. 

The  honours  of  the  battle  belonged  to  the  American  arms,  although, 
from  the  want  of  horses,  they  could  not  carry  off  the  British  cannon, 
captured  with  so  much  gallantry  by  Miller.  But  the  American 
troops  retired  to  Chippewa,  and  thence  to  Fort  Erie,  where  they 
were  soon  besieged  by  General  Drummond.  Scott  was  absent,  suf 
fering  under  his  wounds ;  but  the  spirit  and  the  discipline  with 
which  his  efforts  and  his  example  had  inspired  the  army,  failed  not, 
though  he  was  no  longer  with  them ;  and  after  being  beleaguered 
near  fifty  days,  General  Brown,  who  had  sufficiently  recovered  to 
resume  the  command,  made  a  sortie,  on  the  17th  of  September,  in 
which  he  defeated  the  troops  in  the  trenches,  captured  and  destroyed 
their  works,  and  so  effectually  overthrew  all  that  it  had  cost  long 
weeks  to  accomplish,  that  the  British  commander,  General  Drum 
mond,  withdrew  his  troops,  and  soon  after  the  American  army  went 
into  winter  quarters  at  Buffalo. 


16  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

This  was  virtually,  in  this  region,  the  end  of  the  war ;  for  peace 
was  negotiated  at  Ghent  at  the  close  of  1814,  and  was  ratified  early 
the  ensuing  spring. 

Scott,  who  had  been  carried  to  Buffalo,  where  he  was  most  kindly 
and  cordially  received  and  watched  over,  as  soon  as  he  could  bear 
the  motion,  was  borne  in  a  litter  from  place  to  place  by  the  citizens 
themselves,  who  would  not  commit  to  mercenary  hands  the  care  and 
comfort  of  a  gallant  soldier,  still  disabled  by  his  wounds,  until  he 
reached  the  house  of  his  old  friend  Nicholas,  at  Geneva.  But  his 
great  desire  was  to  reach  Philadelphia,  in  order  to  avail  himself  of 
the  eminent  skill  of  Doctors  Physick  and  Chapman  ;  for  the  possi 
bility  of  being  so  crippled,  for  life,  as  to  be  incapable  of  further  ser 
vice  to  his  country,  was  to  Scott  an  intolerable  thought,  and  hence 
he  sought  the  best  surgical  aid.  He,  therefore,  by  slow  progress, 
reached  Philadelphia — everywhere  welcomed  and  honoured  on  his 
route  as  the  suffering  representative  of  the  army  on  the  Niagara, 
which  had  won  imperishable  laurels  for  the  country  and  itself. 

At  Princeton,  where  he  happened  to  arrive  on  the  day  of  the  an 
nual  commencement,  the  faculty,  students,  and  citizens  all  insisted 
on  his  taking  part  in  the  ceremonial ;  and  pale,  emaciated,  and  weak 
as  he  was,  that  he  should  be  present  during  a  part,  at  least,  of  the 
public  performances.  He  was  fain  to  comply ;  and  when,  at  the 
close  of  an  oration  "  on  the  public  duties  of  a  good  citizen,  in  peace 
and  in  war,"  the  youthful  and  graceful  orator  turned  to  Scott,  and 
made  him  the  personification  of  the  civic  and  heroic  virtues  which 
had  just  been  inculcated,  the  edifice  rang  with  applause,  woman's 
gentle  voice  mingling  in  with  the  harsher  tones  of  the  other  sex. 
The  faculty  conferred  on  him  the  degree  of  A.  M.,  which  his  early 
training  and  literary  pursuits,  not  less  than  his  public  services,  ren 
dered  wholly  appropriate.  On  approaching  Philadelphia,  he  found 
the  governor  of  the  state,  Snyder,  at  the  head  of  a  division  of  militia, 
with  which  he  had  marched  out  to  receive  him. 

Baltimore  being  still  menaced  by  the  British,  General  Scott,  at 
the  earnest  request  of  the  citizens,  consented,  wounded  as  he  was, 
and  incapable  of  exertion,  to  assume  the  command  of  the  district ; 
and  in  such  command  the  tidings  of  peace  found  him.  After  de 
clining  the  post  of  Secretary  at  War,  proffered  to  him  by  President 
Madison,  and  aiding  in  the  painful  and  delicate  task  of  reducing  the 
army  to  a  peace  establishment,  he  was  sent  by  the  government  to 


THANKS   OF   CONGRESS,    ETC.  17 

Europe,  both  for  the  restoration  of  his  health  and  professional  im 
provement.  He  was,  moreover,  commissioned  to  ascertain  the  views 
and  designs  of  different  courts  and  prominent  public  men  respecting 
the  revolutionary  struggle  then  commenced  in  the  Spanish  American 
colonies,  and  especially  those  of  England,  respecting  the  island  of 
Cuba — all  at  that  time  subjects  of  solicitude  at  Washington.  How 
he  acquitted  himself  of  these  commissions  may  be  inferred  from  the 
fact  thit,  by  order  of  President  Madison,  a  special  letter  of  thanks 
was  written  to  him  by  the  Secretary  of  State.  After  two  years  spent 
in  Europe,  where  he  associated  with  the  most  distinguished  men  in 
all  the  walks  of  life,  attended  courses  of  public  lectures,  and  visited 
and  inspected  the  great  fortresses  and  naval  establishments,  Scott 
returned  to  the  United  States,  and  was  assigned  to  the  command  of 
the  seaboard,  making  New  York  his  head-quarters ;  and  there,  for 
twenty  years,  except  with  occasional  absences  on  duty  in  the  west, 
he  remained.  The  gratitude  of  the  country  for  his  war  services  was 
testified  in  various  shapes.  Congress  voted  him  a  gold  medal,  and 
passed  resolutions  of  thanks,  in  which  he  was  not  only  compliment 
ed  for  his  skill  and  gallantry  at  Chippewa  and  Niagara,  but  for  his 
uniform  good  conduct  throughout  the  war — a  compliment  paid  by 
Congress  to  no  other  officer.  The  gold  medal  was  presented  by 
President  Monroe.  Virginia  and  New  York  each  voted  a  sword  to 
him ;  which,  for  Virginia,  was  presented  by  Governor  Pleasants ; 
for  New  York,  by  Governor  Tompkins.  He  was  also  elected  an 
honorary  member  of  the  Cincinnati,  and  numerous  states  named 
new  counties  after  him. 

In  the  long  interval  of  comparative  inaction  which  followed  the 
close  of  the  war,  Scott's  services  were  availed  of  by  the  general  go 
vernment — first,  in  that  most  painful  task  of  reducing  the  army  to  a 
peace  establishment,  which  necessarily  imposed  upon  the  general 
the  responsibility  of  deciding  between  the  merits  and  fitness  of 
many  gallant  men,  who  had  stood  with  him  unflinching  on  the  red 
fields  of  battle.  But  in  the  discharge  of  this,  as  of  every  other  duty 
to  his  country,  Scott  acted  with  a  single  eye  to  its  honour  and  wel 
fare.  Neither  the  relations  of  general  friendship,  nor  the  influences 
of  various  sorts,  brought  to  bear  from  without,  were  suffered  to  warp 
his  firm  mind.  He  was  there  for  his  country,  and  in  consonance 
with  what  he  thought  its  clear  interests,  was  his  course  throughout. 
The  next  important  benefit  rendered,  and  which,  perhaps,  was  not 
2* 


18  MAJOR-GENERAL    WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

the  least  of  all  the  many  he  was  capable  of  rendering,  was  to  trans 
late  from  the  French,  prepare,  digest,  and  adapt  to  our  service,  a 
complete  system  of  military  tactics.  In  the  execution  of  this  trust, 
his  previous  military  studies  gave  him  great  facilities  and  advan 
tages;  and  the  system  thus  introduced,  carried  into  effect  by  those 
jewels  of  the  nation,  the  West  Point  cadets,  has  recently  proved 
itself  at  Palo  Alto  and  Fort  Brown,  Resaca  de  la  Palma,  and  Mon 
terey. 

The  frankness  of  his  nature,  and  his  high  sense  of  subordination, 
and  ever-present  and  active  respect  for  the  spirit  as  well  as  letter  of 
the  Constitution  of  his  country,  involved  him,  about  the  year  1817, 
in  an  unpleasant  controversy,  first  with  General  Jackson,  and  second, 
as  a  consequence  of  the  first,  with  De  Witt  Clinton.  The  particulars 
of  the  controversy  have  passed  from  memory,  and  it  is  not  our  pur 
pose  to  revive  them.  In  the  lifetime,  before  the  Presidency  of 
General  Jackson,  a  very  complete  and  soldierly  reconciliation  took 
place  between  General  Scott  and  himself.  But,  we  may  add,  in 
the  way  of  caution  and  reprobation,  that  the  whole  difficulty  arose 
from  the  unjustifiable  and  ungentlemanly  repetition  of  some  obser 
vations  made  at  a  private  dinner-table  by  General  Scott. 

Another  controversy  arose  between  General  Scott  and  General 
Gaines,  on  the  subject  of  brevet  rank,  on  occasion  of  the  appoint 
ment  of  General  Macomb  to  the  command  of  the  army,  after  the 
death  of  General  Brown.  The  government  did  not  sustain  the  views 
taken  by  General  Scott  of  the  rights  of  brevet  rank,  and  this  officer, 
in  consequence,  tendered  the  resignation  of  his  commission,  not  from 
any  mere  personal  feelings,  but  because  he  thought  that  in  his  per 
son  a  great  military  principle  was  violated.  Happily,  General 
Jackson  (then  become  president)  would  not  act  upon  the  proffered 
resignation ;  and  in  order  to  allow  time  for  reflection,  and  at  the 
same  time  to  prevent  any  damage  to  the  service  from  an  open  colli 
sion  on  points  of  duty  between  General  Scott  and  his  official  supe 
rior,  a  furlough  of  one  year  was  sent  to  him.  Scott  took  advantage 
of  the  furlough  to  revisit  Europe ;  and  on  his  return,  under  the 
earnest  advice  of  his  friends,  and,  as  is  believed,  with  the  unanimous 
approval  of  his  brother  officers,  Scott  withdrew  his  resignation,  and 
reported  himeelf  for  duty. 

The  Secretary  of  War,  Major  Eaton,  in  acknowledging  General 
Scott's  letter,  frankly  and  honourably  says : 


THE   BLACK   HAWK   WAR.  19 

"  It  affords  the  department  much  satisfaction  to  perceive  the  con 
clusion  at  which  you  have  arrived  as  to  your  brevet  rights.  None 
will  do  you  the  injustice  to  suppose  that  the  opinions  declared  by 
you  on  the  subject  are  not  the  result  of  reflection  and  conviction ; 
but  since  the  constituted  authorities  of  the  government  have,  with 
the  best  feelings  entertained,  come  to  conclusions  adverse  to  your 
own,  no  other  opinions  were  cherished,  or  were  hoped  for,  but  that 
on  your  return  to  the  United  States  you  would  adopt  the  course 
your  letter  indicates,  and  with  good  feelings  resume  those  duties  of 
which  your  country  has  so  long  had  the  benefit." 

The  general  was  ordered  in  conclusion  to  report  himself  at  once 
for  duty  to  General  Macomb.  He  was  assigned  anew  to  the  eastern 
department,  and  there  remained  till  called  by  the  Black  Hawk  war 
in  1832,  to  assume  command. 

It  was  in  this  capacity  that  Scott  had  the  opportunity  of  showing 
himself  a  "  hero  of  humanity,"  as  he  had  before  shown  himself  a 
"heroin  the  battle-field."  The  Asiatic  cholera  in  this  year  first 
reached  this  continent,  and,  sweeping  with  rapid  but  irregular  strides 
from  point  to  point,  it  manifested  itself  most  fatally  on  board  the  fleet 
of  steamboats  on  Lake  Erie,  in  which  General  Scott,  with  a  corps 
of  about  one  thousand  regulars,  embarked  for  Chicago.  They  left 
Buffalo  in  the  beginning  of  July.  On  the  8th,  the  cholera  declared 
itself  on  board  the  steamboat  in  which  General  Scott  and  staff,  and 
two  hundred  and  twenty  men  were  embarked,  and  in  less  than  six 
days  one  officer  and  fifty-one  men  died,  and  eighty  were  put  on 
shore  sick  at  Chicago.  It  was  amid  the  gloom  and  the  terror 
of  this  attack  from  a  disease,  known  only  by  its  fatal  ap 
proaches,  that  General  Scott  displayed  those  attributes  of  moral 
courage,  of  genuine  philanthropy,  which  would  weigh  so  much 
more  in  the  scale  of  national  gratitude,  than  the  exercise  of  physical 
courage — that  quality  common  to  our  race  in  the  battle-field.  From 
cot  to  cot  of  the  sick  soldiers,  their  general  daily  went,  soothing  the 
last  moments  of  the  dying,  sustaining  and  cheering  those  who  hoped 
to  survive,  and  for  all,  disarming  the  pestilence  of  that  formidable 
character  of  contagion  which  seemed  to  render  its  attack  inevitable, 
and  almost  synonymous  with  death,  by  showing  in  his  own  person 
that  he  feared  it  not.  Of  the  numbers  whom  his  heroic  self-confi 
dence  and  generous  example,  in  such  circumstances,  saved  from 
death,  by  dissipating  their  apprehensions,  no  estimate  has  ever  been 


20  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

made ;  but  such  deeds  and  such  devotion  are  not  unmarked  by  the 
eye  of  Providence,  and  cannot  be  without  their  reward. 

Of  the  nine  hundred  and  fifty  men  that  left  Buffalo,  not  more  than 
four  hundred  survived  for  active  service.  On  leaving  Chicago,  with 
this  diminished  command,  Scott  proceeded  as  rapidly  as  possible  to 
the  Mississippi,  and  there  joined  General  Atkinson  at  Prairie  du 
Chien,  who,  in  the  battle  of  the  Badaxe,  had  already  scattered  the 
forces  of  Black  Hawk. 

In  spite  of  all  the  precaution  adopted  by  Scott  and  Atkinson,  the 
cholera  was  communicated  anew  to  the  army  assembled  at  Rock 
Island,  and  great  were  its  ravages.  Here,  again,  as  on  board  the 
steamboat,  when  the  malady  first  appeared,  Scott's  self-sacrificing 
care  and  solicitude  for  his  men  were  unceasing. 

It  was  late  in  September  before  the  dread  disease  was  extirpated 
from  the  camp,  and  then  commenced  the  negotiations  with  the  Sacs 
and  Foxes;  this  was  concluded  by  Scott  with  consummate  skill, 
and  resulted  in  the  cession,  for  a  valuable  consideration,  of  the  fine 
region  which  now  constitutes  the  state  of  Iowa.  Another  treaty 
was  made  on  the  same  terms  by  him  with  the  Winnebagoes,  by 
which  they  ceded  some  five  million  acres  of  land  east  of  the  Missis 
sippi  and  between  the  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  now  constituting  a 
valuable  portion  of  the  territory  of  Wisconsin.  In  reference,  as  \\  ell 
to  his  successful  negotiations,  as  to  his  humane  conduct  under  the 
calamity  of  pestilence,  the  then  Secretary  of  War,  General  Cass, 
wrote  thus  to  General  Scott : 

"Allow me  to  congratulate  you  upon  the  fortunate  consummation 
of  your  arduous  duties,  and  to  express  my  entire  approbation  of  the 
whole  course  of  your  proceedings,  during  a  series  of  difficulties  re 
quiring  higher  moral  courage  than  the  operations  of  an  active  cam 
paign  under  ordinary  circumstances." 

Scarcely  had  Scott  reached  home  and  his  family  in  New  York, 
when  he  was  detailed  by  President  Jackson  to  a  new,  important, 
and  most  delicate  duty,  that  of  maintaining  at  home  the  supremacy 
of  the  United  States  against  South  Carolina  nullification.  He  imme 
diately  proceeded  to  Washington,  and  there,  in  personal  interviews 
with  the  president  and  the  cabinet,  becoming  fully  possessed  of  their 
views,  and  having  expressed  to  them  his  own,  he  was  invested 
with  very  ample  discretionary  power  to  meet  the  perilous  crisis. 
In  no  scene  of  his  life,  perhaps,  has  General  Scott  exhibited  more 


SCOTT   IN   FLORIDA.  21 

thorough  patriotism — more  entire  devotion  to  the  laws  and  constitu 
tion  of  his  country — more  anxious,  and  skilfully-conducted  efforts  to 
arrest  that  direst  of  calamities,  civil  war — more  self-command — more 
tact  and  talent — than  while  stationed  at  Fort  Moultrie,  in  Charleston 
Harbour,  and  face  to  face,  as  it  were,  with  nullification  in  arms.  A 
single  drop  of  blood  shed  at  that  moment  might  have  deluged  the 
nation  in  blood  —  and  yet  the  laws  of  the  United  States,  made  in 
conformity  with  the  constitution,  Scott  was  sworn  and  commissioned 
to  uphold,  defend,  and  enforce  :  the  point  of  difficulty  was  to  avert 
the  bloodshed,  and  yet  maintain  the  laws  ;  and  he  came  off  entirely 
successful  in  both — under  circumstances  that  history  will  do  justice 
to,  as  those  who  remember  the  fearful  apprehensions  of  that  day  did 
at  the  time,  and  still  do. 

His  next  field  of  public  service  was  in  Florida,  where  the  Semi- 
noles  —  in  possession  of  the  everglades,  and  having  taken  our  troops 
at  unawares — owing  to  the  want  of  adequate  preparation  by  the  ad 
ministration,  although  timely  warned  of  the  danger  by  the  gallant 
Clinch  —  seemed  for  a  time  to  set  the  whole  efforts  of  our  country 
at  defiance. 

On  the  20th  January,  1836,  General  Scott  was  ordered  to  the 
command  of  the  troops  in  Florida,  and  he  displayed  his  habitual 
promptitude  in  obeying  the  order.  He  was  apprised  of  the  will  of 
the  president  at  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  asked  when  he 
could  set  forth.  "This  night,"  was  the  reply.  But  a  day's  delay 
was  required  to  draw  up  the  requisite  instructions,  and  he  left 
Washington  on  the  21st. 

We  enter  not  here  into  an  examination  of  the  steps  taken  and  the 
plans  devised  by  General  Scott,  to  bring  to  a  rapid  and  sure  termi 
nation  these  disastrous  and  discreditable  hostilities,  nor  into  the 
manner  or  the  motives  of  his  unmilitary  recall,  and  of  the  subse 
quent  investigation  of  his  conduct  by  a  court  of  inquiry  ;  these  are 
among  the  historic  archives  of  the  nation.  Our  only  concern  here 
with  them  is  to  say,  that  this  court  unanimously  approved  his  con 
duct — pronounced  the  plan  of  his  Seminole  campaign  "well  devised," 
and  added  that  it  "was  prosecuted  with  energy,  steadiness,  and 
ability."  With  regard  to  the  Creek  war,  which  at  the  same  time 
fell  upon  his  hands,  the  court  found  "that  the  plan  of  campaign 
adopted  by  Major-General  Scott  was  well  calculated  to  lead  to  suc 
cessful  results ;  and  that  it  was  prosecuted  by  him,  as  far  as  practi 

0* 


22  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

cable,  with  zeal  and  ability,  until  he  was  recalled  from  the  com 
mand." 

Mr.  Van  Buren,  who  had  now  become  president,  approved  the 
finding  of  the  court,  and  the  nation  at  large  ratified  the  verdict. 
Public  dinners  were  tendered  to  General  Scott  by  the  citizens  of 
New  York,  of  Richmond,  and  of  other  places,  all  of  which,  how 
ever,  he  declined ;  and  was  in  the  discharge  of  the  ordinary  duties 
of  his  station,  when  the  patriot  troubles  broke  out  in  1837  on  the 
Canada  frontier.  For  two  years  these  troubles  agitated  our  coun 
try,  and  seriously  menaced  its  peace.  To  no  man  in  so  great  a 
degree  as  to  General  Scott  is  it  indebted  for  the  preservation  of  that 
peace.  His  honour  and  patriotism,  his  approved  military  service, 
his  reputation  and  his  bearing  as  a  soldier,  gave  great  effect  to  his 
frank  and  friendly  expostulations  with  the  deluded  American  citi 
zens,  who  supposed  they  were  acting  patriotically  in  taking  part 
with  the  Canadian  revolters ;  and  by  kindness  and  reason,  combined 
with  much  skill  and  assiduity  in  discovering  and  tracing  the  rami 
fications  of  the  patriot  lodges,  he  was  enabled  to  prevent  any  out 
break  that  might  compromise  our  country  with  Great  Britain.  His 
return  from  the  Niagara  frontier  was  greeted  with  compliments  at 
Albany  and  elsewhere,  and  all  felt  that  a  great  national  good  had 
been  accomplished  by  this  gallant  soldier. 

In  1838,  another  difficult  and  painful  service  was  confided  to  Gene 
ral  Scott — that  of  removing  the  Cherokees  from  the  homes  of  their 
fathers,  to  the  region  beyond  the  Mississippi.  Here  he  was  as  suc 
cessful  as  in  all  previous  public  service  :  tempering  humanity  with 
power,  and  operating  more  by  moral  influence  than  force,  he  effected 
this  most  trying  object  in  a  manner  that  secured  the  gratitude  of  those 
whom  he  was,  acting  for  .Tiis  country,  obliged  to  wrong.  It  was 
this  service,  connected  with  his  subsequent  pacific  arrangement  of 
the  north-eastern  boundary  difficulties,  that  drew  from  the  lamented 
Channing — that  apostle  of  human  rights — this  fine  tribute : 

"  To  this  distinguished  man  belongs  the  rare  honour  of  uniting 
with  military  energy  and  daring  the  spirit  of  a  philanthropist.  His 
exploits  in  the  field,  which  placed  him  in  the  first  rank  of  our  sol 
diers,  have  been  obscured  by  the  purer  and  more  lasting  glory  of  a 
pacificator,  and  of  a  friend  of  mankind.  In  the  whole  history  of  the 
intercourse  of  civilized  with  barbarous  or  half-civilized  communities, 
we  doubt  whether  a  brighter  page  can  be  found  than  that  which  re- 


NORTH-EASTERN  BOUNDARY  QUESTION.      23 

cords  his  agency  in  the  removal  of  the  Cherokees.  As  far  as  the 
wrongs  done  to  this  race  can  be  atoned  for,  General  Scott  has  made 
the  expiation. 

"  In  his  recent  mission  to  the  disturbed  borders  of  our  country, 
he  has  succeeded,  not  so  much  by  policy  as  by  the  nobleness  and 
generosity  of  his  character,  by  moral  influences,  by  the  earnest  con 
viction  with  which  he  has  enforced  upon  all  with  whom  he  has  had 
to  do,  the  obligations  of  patriotism,  justice,  humanity,  and  religion. 
It  would  not  be  easy  to  find  among  us  a  man  who  has  won  a  purer 
fame,  and  I  am  happy  to  offer  this  tribute,  because  I  would  do  some 
thing —  no  matter  how  little — to  hasten  the  time  when  the  spirit  of 
Christian  humanity  shall  be  accounted  an  essential  attribute,  and  the 
brightest  ornament  to  a  public  man." 

This  is  justly  said,  and  most  justly  applied. 

In  1839,  Scott  was  again  deputed  by  the  government  to  keep  the 
peace,  and,  soldier  as  he  is,  to  use  all  his  great  influence  to  prevent 
the  occurrence  of  war.  The  dispute  respecting  the  contested  boun 
dary  on  the  north-eastern  frontier  had  become  alarming  —  Massa 
chusetts  and  Maine  on  one  side,  and  New  Brunswick  on  the  other, 
had  in  some  degree  taken  the  matter  into  their  own  hands,  and 
hostile  bands  stood  facing  each  other ;  a  single  indiscretion  among 
them  might  have  precipitated  war  beyond  the  possibility  of  its  being 
averted.  Happily,  a  friendship  formed  on  the  field  of  battle,  in 
years  long  past,  between  General  Scott  and  General  Sir  John  Har 
vey,  the  governor  of  New  Brunswick,  contributed  to  smooth  the 
difficulties  between  the  two  nations.  General  Scott  having  over 
come  the  first  great  obstacles  in  soothing  the  irritated  feelings  of  the 
American  borderers,  made  overtures  to  Sir  John  Harvey  for  the 
mutual  withdrawal  of  troops  from  the  disputed  territory ;  and  Sir 
John  frankly  acceded  to  them,  saying  in  his  letter  of  the  23d  March, 
1839,  to  General  Scott,  "  My  reliance  upon  you,  my  dear  general, 
has  led  me  to  give  my  willing  assent  to  the  proposition  which  you 
have  made  yourself  the  very  acceptable  means  of  conveying  to  me." 

The  menacing  position  of  affairs  was  now  effectually  changed  into 
feelings  of  reciprocal  forbearance,  and  Daniel  Webster  finally  accom 
plished,  by  the  treaty  at  Washington,  the  good  work  so  satisfactorily 
commenced  by  the  pacificator,  Scott. 

Soon  after  the  commencement  of  actual  hostilities  between  the 
United  States  and  Mexico,  Scott  requested  of  government  permis- 


24  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD    SCOTT. 

sion  to  join  General  Taylor  with  a  large  army,  and  push  forward 
for  the  enemy's  capital.  This  was  denied  him,  and  he  remained  at 
Washington  until  November.  Receiving  orders  to  proceed  to  the 
seat  of  war,  he  embarked  from  New  York,  and  reached  the  mouth 
of  the  Rio  Grande  January  1st,  1847.  After  mustering  an  army  of 
nearly  twelve  thousand  men,  part  of  them  from  General  Taylor's 
force,  he  proceeded  against  the  city  and  castle  of  Vera  Cruz,  the 
first  ot^ect  of  the  campaign.  The  following  graphic  description  of 
the  landing  of  the  troops  and  siege  of  the  city,  is  from  the  pen  of 
an  eye-witness : — 

"On  the  fifth  day  of  March,  1847,  while  the  American  squadron 
was  lying  at  Anton  Lizardo,  a  norther  sprang  up,  and  commenced 
blowing  with  great  violence.  The  ships  rolled  and  pitched,  and 
tugged  at  their  anchors,  as  if  striving  to  tear  them  from  their  hold, 
while  the  sea  was  white  with  foam.  About  noon,  General  Scott's 
fleet  of  transports,  destined  for  the  reduction  of  Vera  Cruz,  came 
like  a  great  white  cloud  bearing  down  before  the  storm.  The  whole 
eastern  horizon  looked  like  a  wall' of  canvass.  Vessel  after  vessel 
came  flying  in  under  reduced  sail,  until  the  usually  quiet  harbour  was 
crowded  with  them.  A  perfect  wilderness  of  spars  and  rigging  met 
the  eye  at  every  turn  ;  and  for  five  days,  all  was  bustle,  activity  and 
excitement.  Officers  of  the  two  services  were  visiting  about  from 
ship  to  ship ;  drums  were  beating,  bands  of  music  playing,  and 
every  thing  told  of  an  approaching  conflict. 

"On  the  10th,  the  army  were  conveyed  in  huge  surf-boats  from 
the  transports  to  the  different  ships  of  war,  which  immediately  got 
under  way  for  Vera  Cruz.  During  the  passage  down  to  the  city, 
I  was  in  the  fore-top  of  the  United  States'  sloop-of-war  'Albany/ 
from  which  place  I  had  a  good  view  of  all  that  occurred.  It  was  a 
*  sight  to  see  !'  The  tall  ships  of  war  sailing  leisurely  along  under 
their  top-sails,  their  decks  thronged  in  every  part  with  dense  masses 
of  troops,  whose  bright  muskets  and  bayonets  were  flashing  in  the 
sunbeams ;  the  gingling  of  spurs  and  sabres ;  the  bands  of  music 
playing ;  the  hum  of  the  multitude  rising  up  like  the  murmur  of  the 
distant  ocean  ;  the  small  steamers  plying  about,  their  decks  crowded 
with  anxious  spectators ;  the  long  lines  of  surf-boats  towing  astern 
of  the  ships,  ready  to  disembark  the  troops ;  all  these  tended  to 
render  the  scene  one  of  the  deepest  interest. 

"About  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  the  armada  arrived  abreast  of  the 


SIEGE   OF   VERA    CRUZ.  25 

little  desert  island  of  Sacrificio,  where  the  time-worn  walls  and  bat 
tlements  of  Vera  Cruz,  and  the  old  grim  castle  of  San  Juan  d'Ulloa, 
with  their  ponderous  cannon,  tier  upon  tier,  basking  in  the  yellow 
rays  of  the  sun,  burst  upon  our  view.  It  was  a  most  beautiful,  nay, 
a  sublime  sight,  that  embarkation.  I  still  retained  my  position  in 
the  fore-top,  and  was  watching  every  movement  vfiih  the  most 
anxious  interest;  for  it  was  thought  by  many  that  the  enemy  would 
oppose  the  landing  of  our  troops.  About  four  o'clock,  the  huge 
surf-boats,  each  capable  of  conveying  one  hundred  men,  were  haul 
ed  to  the  gang-ways  of  the  different  men-of-war,  and  quickly  laden 
with  their  '  warlike  fraughtage ;'  formed  in  a  single  line,  nearly  a 
mile  in  length ;  and  at  a  given  signal,  commenced  slowly  moving 
toward  the  Mexican  shore.  It  was  a  grand  spectacle !  On,  on 
went  the  long  range  of  boats,  loaded  down  to  the  gunwales  with 
brave  men,  the  rays  of  the  slowly-departing  sun  resting  upon  their 
uniforms  and  bristling  bayonets,  and  wrapping  the  far  inland  and 
fantastic  mountains  of  Mexico  in  robes  of  gold.  On  they  went ; 
the  measured  stroke  of  the  countless  oars  mingling  with  the  hoarse 
dull  roar  of  the  trampling  surf  upon  the  sandy  beach,  and  the  shriek 
of  the  myriads  of  sea-birds  soaring  high  in  air,  until  the  boats  struck 
the  shore,  and  quick  as  thought  our  army  began  to  land.  At  this 
instant,  the  American  flag  was  planted,  and  unrolling  its  folds,  float 
ed  proudly  out  upon  the  evening  breeze ;  the  crews  of  the  men-of- 
war  made  the  welkin  ring  with  their  fierce  cheering ;  and  a  dozen 
bands  of  music,  at  the  same  time,  and  as  if  actuated  by  one  impulse, 
struck  up 

'  'T  is  the  star-spangled  banner  !  O,  long  may  it  wave, 
O'er  the  land  of  the  free,  and  the  home  of  the  brave !' 

"  Early  the  next  morning,  the  old  grim  castle  of  San  Juan  d'Ulloa 
commenced  trying  the  range  of  its  heavy  guns,  throwing  Paixhan 
shells  at  the  army,  and  continued  it  at  intervals  for  a  week ;  but 
with  the  exception  of  an  occasional  skirmish  with  a  party  of  the 
enemy's  lancers,  they  had  all  the  fun  to  themselves.  In  the  mean 
time  our  forces  went  quietly  on  with  their  preparations,  stationing 
their  pickets,  planting  their  heavy  mortars,  landing  their  horses, 
provisions  and  munitions  of  war,  constantly  annoyed  with  a  cease 
less  fire  from  the  Mexican  batteries,  which  our  troops  were  as  yet 
too  busy  to  return. 
3 


26  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

"On  the  24th,  Lieutenant  Oliver  Hazard  Perry,  with  a  zeal 
worthy  of  his  illustrious  father,  *  the  hero  of  Lake  Erie,'  dismounted 
one  of  the  waist  guns  of  the  'Albany,'  a  sixty-eight-pounder,  pro 
cured  a  number  of  volunteers  who  would  willingly  have  charged 
up  to  the  muzzles  of  the  Mexican  cannon  with  such  a  leader,  and 
taking  about  forty  rounds  of  Paixhan  shells,  proceeded  on  shore, 
where,  after  dragging  his  gun  through  the  sand  for  three  miles,  he 
arrived  at  a  small  fortification,  which  the  engineers  had  constructed 
of  sand-bags  for  him,  and  there  planted  his  engine  of  destruction, 
in  a  situation  which  commanded  the  whole  city  of  Vera  Cruz. 
Roused  by  such  a  gallant  example,  guns  from  each  of  the  other 
ships  of  the  squadron  were  disembarked,  and  conveyed  to  the  breast 
work,  which  was  as  yet  concealed  from  the  eyes  of  the  Mexicans, 
by  being  in  the  rear  of  an  almost  impervious  chapparal,  and  in  a 
short  tima^a  most  formidable  fortress  was  completed,  which  was 
styled  the  Naval  Battery. 

"At  this  period,  General  Scott,  having  quietly  made  all  his  ar 
rangements,  while  a  constant  shower  of  shot  and  shell  were  thrown 
at  his  army  by  the  enemy,  sent  a  flag  of  truce,  with  a  summons  for 
the  immediate  surrender  of  the  city  of  Vera  Cruz,  and  the  castle 
of  San  Juan  d'Ulloa,  and  with  a  full  understanding  that  unless  his 
demand  was  immediately  complied  with,  an  attack  would  follow. 
As  a  matter  of  course,  the  Mexicans,  expecting  an  assault,  for  which 
they  were  well  prepared,  and  not  a  bombardment,  returned  an  in 
dignant  refusal,  and  were  told  that  at  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  they  should 
hear  farther  from  us.  In  the  mean  time,  the  chapparal  had  been 
cut  away,  disclosing  the  Naval  Battery  to  the  gaze  of  the  astonished 
Mexicans,  and  the  mortars  and  heavy  artillery,  which  had  been 
planted  upon  the  hills  overlooking  the  city,  and  were  ready  to  vomit 
forth  their  fires  of  death.  Every  person  was  now  waiting  with 
trembling  anxiety  the  commencement  of  the  fray. 

"About  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  while  the  crews  of  the  squadron  were 
all  at  supper,  a  sudden  and  tremendous  roar  of  artillery  on  shore 
proclaimed  that  the  battle  had  begun.  The  tea-things  were  left  to 
'take  care  of  themselves,' and  pellmell  tumbled  sjck  and  well  up 
the  ladders  to  the  spar-deck.  I  followed  with  the  human  tide,  and 
boon  found  myself  in  the  fore-top  of  the  'Albany,'  and  looking 
around  me,  a  sublime  but  terrific  sight  my  elevated  porch  presented 
to  the  view.  Some  two  hundred  sail  of  vessels  were  lying  imme- 


SIEGE    OF   VERA    CRUZ.  27 

diately  around  us,  their  tops,  cross-trees,  yards,  shrouds  —  every 
thing  where  a  foot-hold  could  be  obtained  —  crowded  with  human 
beings,  clustered  like  swarming  bees  in  mid-summer  on  the  trees, 
all  intently  watching  the  battle.  I  turned  my  eyes  on  shore.  JONA 
THAN  had  at  last  awakened  from  his  slumber,  and  had  set  to  work 
in  earnest.  Bomb-shells  were  flying  like  hail-stones  into  Vera  Cruz 
from  every  quarter ;  sulphurous  flashes,  clouds  of  smoke,  and  the 
dull  boom  of  the  heavy  guns  arose  from  the  walls  of  the  city  in  re 
turn,  while  ever  and  anon  a  red  sheet  of  flame  would  leap  from  the 
great  brass  mortars  on  the  ramparts  of  the  grim  castle,  followed  by 
a  report,  which  fairly  made  the  earth  tremble.  The  large  ships  of 
the  squadron  could  not  approach  near  enough  to  the  shore  to  parti 
cipate  in  the  attack  upon  the  city,  without  exposing  them  to  the  fire 
of  the  castle  ;  but  all  the  gun-boats,  small  steamers,  and  every  thing 
that  could  be  brought  to  bear  upon  the  enemy,  were  sent  in  and 
commenced  blazing  away;  a  steady  stream  of  fire,  like  the  red 
glare  of  a  volcano !  This  state  of  things  continued  until  sunset, 
when  the  small  vessels  were  called  off;  but  the  mortars  kept  throw 
ing  shells  into  the  devoted  town  the  live-long  night.  I  was  watch 
ing  them  until  after  midnight,  and  it  was  one  of  the  most  striking 
displays  that  I  ever  beheld. 

"A  huge  black  cloud  of  smoke  hung  like  a  pall  over  the  American 
army,  completely  concealing  it  from  view ;  the  Mexicans  had  ceased 
firing,  in  order  to  prevent  our  troops  from  directing  their  guns  by 
the  flashes  from  the  walls ;  but  the  bombardiers  had  obtained  the 
exact  range  before  dark,  and  kept  thundering  away,  every  shell  fall 
ing  directly  into  the  doomed  city.  Suddenly,  a  vivid,  lightning-like 
flash  would  gleam  for  an  instant  upon  the  black  pall  of  smoke  hang 
ing  over  our  lines,  and  then  as  the  roar  of  the  great  mortar  came 
borne  to  our  ears,  the  ponderous  shell  would  be  seen  to  dart  upward 
like  a  meteor,  and  after  describing  a  semi-circle  in  the  air,  descend 
with  a  loud  crash  upon  the  house-tops,  or  into  the  resounding  streets 
of  the  fated  city.  Then,  after  a  brief  but  awful  moment  of  sus 
pense,  a  lurid  glare,  illuminating  for  an  instant  the  white  domes  and 
grim  fortresses  of  Vera  Cruz,  falling  into  ruins  with  the  shock,  and 
the  echoing  crash  that  came  borne  to  our  ears,  told  that  the  shell 
had  exploded,  and  executed  its  terrible  mission ' 

"Throughout  the  whole  night  these  fearful  missiles  were  travel 
ling  inio  the  city  in  one  continued  stream  ;  but  the  enemy  did  not 


28  MAJOR-GENERAL    WINFIELD    SCOTT. 

return  the  fire.  At  day-light,  however,  the  Mexicans  again  opened 
their  batteries  upon  our  army,  with  the  most  determined  bravery. 

"About  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.,  the  gallant  Perry  and  his  brave  asso 
ciates,  having  finished  the  mounting  of  their  guns,  and  completed 
all  their  arrangements,  opened  with  a  tremendous  roar  the  Naval 
Battery  upon  the  west  side  of  the  city,  and  were  immediately  an 
swered  from  four  distinct  batteries  of  the  enemy.  The  firm  earth 
trembled  beneath  the  discharge  of  these  ponderous  guns,  and  the 
shot  flew  like  hail  into  the  town,  and  were  returned  with  interest 
by  the  Mexicans.  Their  heavy  guns  were  served  with  wonderful 
precision ;  and  almost  every  shot  struck  the  little  fort,  burst  open 
the  sand-bags  of  which  it  was  constructed,  and  covered  our  brave 
officers  and  men  with  a  cloud  of  dust.  Many  shot  and  shell  were 
thrown  directly  through  the -embrasures  ;  and  to  use  the  expressions 
of  one  of  our  old  tars  who  had  been  in  several  engagements,  *  the 
red-skins  handled  their  long  thirty-two's  as  if  they  had  been  rifles!' 
Several  of  our  men  and  one  officer  had  fallen,  but  the  remainder  of 
the  brave  fellows  kept  blazing  away  ;  while  the  forts  and  ramparts 
of  the  city  began  to  crumble  to  the  earth.  This  state  of  things  con 
tinued  until  the  twenty-seventh;  the  army  throwing  a  constant 
shower  of  bombs  into  the  city,  and  the  Naval  Battery,  (manned 
daily  by  fresh  officers  and  men,)  beating  down  the  fortifications,  and 
destroying  every  thing  within  its  range,  when  a  flag  of  truce  was 
sent  out  with  an  offer,  which  was  immediately  accepted,  of  an  un 
conditional  surrender  of  the  city  of  Vera  Cruz  and  the  castle  of  San 
Juan  d'Ulloa." 

Before  the  siege  commenced,  General  Scott  had  sent  printed  pass 
ports  to  the  different  consuls,  and  also  requested  a  surrender  of  the 
city,  in  order  to  preserve  the  lives  of  the  non-combatants.  These 
were  disregarded  at  the  time ;  but  when  the  siege  was  in  full  ope 
ration,  he  received  a  communication  from  the  consuls,  requesting 
that  the  women  and  children  might  be  permitted  to  pass  out.  His 
answer  we  give  in  his  own  words : — 

••  I  enclose  a  copy  of  a  memorial  received  last  night,  signed  by 
the  consuls  of  Great  Britain,  France,  Spain,  and  Prussia,  within 
Vera  Cruz,  asking  me  to  grant  a  truce  to  enable  the  peutrqls,  to 
gether  with  Mexican  women  and  children,  to  withdraw  from  the 
scene  of  havoc  about  them.  I  shall  reply,  the  moment  that  an  op 
portunity  may  betaken,  to  say — 1.  That  a  truce  can  only  be  granted 


TERMS   OF   THE    SURRENDER.  29 

on  the  application  of  Governor  Morales,  with  a  view  to  surrender. 
2.  That  in  sending  safeguards  to  the  different  consuls,  beginning  as 
far  back  as  the  13th  inst.,  I  distinctly  admonished  them — particularly 
the  French  and  Spanish  consuls — and  of  course,  through  the  two, 
the  other  consuls,  of  the  dangers  that  have  followed.  3.  That  al 
though  at  that  date  I  had  already  refused  to  allow  any  person  what 
soever  to  pass  the  line  of  investment  either  way,  yet  the  blockade 
had  been  left  open  to  the  consuls  and  other  neutrals  to  pass  out  to 
their  respective  ships  of  war  up  to  the  22d  instant ;  and  4th : 

"I  shall  enclose  to  the  memorialists  a  copy  of  my  summons  to 
the  governor,  to  show  that  I  had  fully  considered  the  impending 
hardships  and  distresses  of  the  place,  including  those  of  women  and 
children,  before  one  gun  had  been  fired  in  that  direction.  The  in 
tercourse  between  the  neutral  ships  of  war  and  the  city  was  stopped 
at  the  last-mentioned  date  by  Commodore  Perry,  with  my  concur 
rence,  which  I  placed  on  the  ground  that  the  intercourse  could  not 
fail  to  give  to  the  enemy  moral  aid  and  comfort." 

The  following  were  the  terms  of  surrender,  finally  agreed  upon 
by  Generals  Worth  and  Pillow,  and  Colonel  Totten,  on  the  part  of 
the  Americans,  and  Villannuera,  Herrera,  and  Robles,  on  the  part 
of  the  Mexicans  ! 

"  1.  The  whole  garrison,  or  garrisons,  to  be  surrendered  to  the 
arms  of  the  United  States,  as  prisoners  of  war,  the  29th  instant,  at 
ten  o'clock,  A.  M. ;  the  garrisons  to  be  permitted  to  march  out  with 
all  the  honours  of  war,  and  to  lay  down  their  arms  to  sucn  officers 
as  may  be  appointed  by  the  general-in-chief  of  the  United  States' 
armies,  and  at  a  point  to  be  agreed  upon  by  the  commissioners. 

"  2.  Mexican  officers  shall  preserve  their  arms  and  private  effects, 
including  horses  and  horse-furniture,  and  to  be  allowed,  regular  and 
irregular  officers,  as  also  the  rank  and  file,  five  days  to  retire  to  their 
respective  homes,  on  parole,  as  hereinafter  prescribed. 

"  3.  Coincident  with  the  surrender,  as  stipulated  in  article  1,  the 
Mexican  flags  of  the  various  forts  and  stations  shall  be  struck,  sa 
luted  by  their  own  batteries ;  and,  immediately  thereafter,  Forts 
Santiago  and  Conception,  and  the  castle  of  San  Juan  de  Ulloa,  oc 
cupied  by  the  forces  of  the  United  States. 

"4.  The  rank  and  file  of  the  regular  portion  of  the  prisoners  to 
be  disposed  of  after  surrender  and  parole,  as  their  general-in-chief 
3* 


30  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

may  desire,  and  the  irregular  to  be  permitted  to  return  to  their 
homes.  The  officers,  in  respect  to  all  arms  and  descriptions  of 
force,  giving  the  usual  parole,  that  the  said  rank  and  file,  as  well  as 
themselves,  shall  not  serve  again  until  duly  exchanged. 

"5.  All  the  material  of  war,  and  all  public  property  of  every 
description  found  in  the  city,  the  castle  of  San  Juan  de  Ulloa,  and 
their  dependencies,  to  belong  to  the  United  States  ;  but  the  arma 
ment  of  the  same  (not  injured  or  destroyed  in  the  further  prosecu 
tion  of  the  actual  war)  may  be  considered  as  liable  to  be  restored  to 
Mexico  by  a  definite  treaty  of  peace. 

"  6.  The  sick  and  wounded  Mexicans  to  be  allowed  to  remain  in 
the  city,  with  such  medical  officers  and  attendants,  and  officers  of 
the  army  as  may  be  necessary  to  their  care  and  treatment. 

"7.  Absolute  protection  is  solemnly  guarantied  to  persons  in  the 
city,  and  property,  and  it  is  clearly  understood  that  no  private  build 
ing  or  property  is  to  be  taken  or  used  by  the  forces  of  the  United 
States,  without  previous  arrangement  with  the  owners,  and  for  a 
fair  equivalent. 

"8.  Absolute  freedom  of  religious  worship  and  ceremonies  is 
solemnly  guarantied." 

General  Scott  remained  about  two  weeks  at  Vera  Cruz,  and  then 
set  out  for  the  capital.  On  the  17th  of  April  he  arrived  at  the  pass 
of  Sierra  Gordo,  where  General  Santa  Anna  was  entrenched  with 
eleven  thousand  men.  On  the  same  day  Scott  issued  the  following 
celebrated  order : — 

"  The  enemy's  whole  line  of  entrenchments  and  batteries  will  be 
attacked  in  front,  and  at  the  same  time  turned,  early  in  the  day  to 
morrow — probably  before  ten  o'clock,  A.  M. 

"  The  second  (Twiggs's)  division  of  regulars  is  already  advanced 
within  easy  turning  distance  towards  the  enemy's  left.  That  divi 
sion  has  orders  to  move  forward  before  daylight  to-morrow,  and  take 
up  position  across  the  National  Road  to  the  enemy's  rear,  so  as  to 
cut  off  a  retreat  towards  Jalapa.  It  may  be  reinforced  to-day,  if 
unexpectedly  attacked  in  force,  by  regiments  one  or  two,  taken  from 
Shields's  brigade  of  volunteers.  If  not,  the  two  volunteer  regi 
ments  will  march  for  that  purpose  at  daylight  to-morrow  morning, 
under  Brigadier-General  Shields,  who  will  report  to  Brigadier-Ge 
neral  Twiggs  on  getting  up  with  him,  or  the  general-in-chief,  if  he 
be  in  advance. 


SCOTT'S  CELEBRATED  ORDER.          31 

"The  remaining  regiment  of  that  volunteer  brigade  will  receive 
instructions  in  the  course  of  this  day. 

"  The  first  division  of  regulars  (Worth's)  will  follow  the  move 
ment  against  the  enemy's  left  at  sunrise  to-morrow  morning. 

"As  already  arranged,  Brigadier-General  Pillow's  brigade  will 
march  at  six  o'clock  to-morrow  morning  along  the  route  he  has  care 
fully  reconnoitred,  and  stand  ready  as  soon  as  he  hears  the  report 
of  arms  on  our  right — sooner,  if  circumstances  should  favour  him 
— to  pierce  the  enemy's  line  of  batteries  at  such  point — the  nearer 
the  river  the  better — as  he  may  select.  Once  in  the  rear  of  thaj 
line,  he  will  turn  to  the  right  or  left,  or  both,  and  attack  the  batteries 
in  reverse,  or  if  abandoned,  he  will  pursue  the  enemy  with  vigout 
until  further  orders. 

"  Wall's  field-battery  and  the  cavalry  will  be  held  in  reserve  on 
the  National  Road,  a  little  out  of  view  and  range  of  the  enemy  s 
batteries.  They  will  take  up  that  position  at  nine  o'clock  in  the 
morning. 

"  The  enemy's  batteries  being  carried  or  abandoned,  all  our  divi 
sions  and  corps  will  pursue  with  vigour. 

"This  pursuit  maybe  continued  many  miles,  until  stopped  by 
darkness,  or  fortified  positions  towards  Jalapa.  Consequently,  the 
body  of  the  army  will  not  return  to  this  encampment,  but  be  fol 
lowed  to-morrow  afternoon,  or  early  the  next  morning,  by  the  bag 
gage  trains  for  the  several  corps.  For  this  purpose,  the  feebler  offi 
cers  and  men  of  each  corps  will  be  left  to  guard  its  camp  and  effects, 
and  to  load  up  the  latter  in  the  wagons  of  the  corps. 

"  As  soon  as  it  shall  be  known  that  the  enemy's  works  have  been 
carried,  or  that  the  general  pursuit  has  been  commenced,  one  wagon 
for  each  regiment,  and  one  for  the  cavalry,  will  follow  the  move 
ment,  to  receive,  under  the  directions  of  medical  officers,  the 
wounded,  who  will  be  brought  back  to  this  place  for  treatment  in 
the  general  hospital. 

"The  surgeon-general  will  organize  this  important  service  and 
designate  that  hospital,  as  well  as  the  medical  officers  to  be  left  at 
that  place. 

"  Every  man  who  marches  out  to  attack  or  pursue  the  enemy 
will  take  the  usual  allowance  of  ammunition,  and  subsistence  for  at 
least  two  days." 

This  document  is  famous  for  its  exact  delineation  of  every  move- 


32  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

ment  of  the  battle,  with  one  single  exception,  the  day  before  the 
action  really  took  place.  This  is  shown  by  the  annexed  report, 
written  after  the  engagement : — 

"The  plan  of  attack,  sketched  in  General  Orders,  No.  Ill,  here 
with,  was  finely  executed  by  this  gallant  army,  before  two  o'clock, 
P.  M.,  yesterday.  We  are  quite  embarrassed  with  the  results  of 
victory  —  prisoners  of  war,  heavy  ordnance,  field  batteries,  small 
arms,  and  accoutrements.  About  three  thousand  men  laid  down 
their  arms  with  the  usual  proportion  of  field  and  company  officers, 
besides  five  generals,  several  of  them  of  great  distinction.  Pinson, 
Jarerro,  La  Vega,  Noriega,  and  Obando.  A  sixth  general,  Vasquez, 
was  killed  in  defending  the  battery  (tower)  in  the  rear  of  the  whole 
Mexican  army,  the  capture  of  which  gave  us  those  glorious  re 
sults. 

"  Our  loss,  though  comparatively  small  in  numbers,  has  been  se 
rious.  Brigadier-General  Shields,  a  commander  of  activity,  zeal, 
and  talent,  is,  I  fear,  if  not  dead,  mortally  wounded.  He  is  some 
five  miles  from  me  at  the  moment.  The  field  of  operations  covered 
many  miles,  broken  by  mountains  and  deep  chasms,  and  I  have  not 
a  report,  as  yet,  from  any  division  or  brigade.  Twiggs's  division, 
followed  by  Shields's  (now  Colonel  Baker's)  brigade,  are  now  at,  or 
near  Jalapa,  and  Worth's  division  is  en  route  thither,  all  pursuing, 
with  good  results,  as  I  learn,  that  part  of  the  Mexican  army  —  per 
haps  six  or  seven  thousand  men,  who  fled  before  our  right  had  carried 
the  tower,  and  gained  the  Jalapa  road.  Pillow's  brigade,  alone,  is 
near  me,  at  this  depot  of  wounded,  sick,  and  prisoners  ;  and  I  have 
time  only  to  give  from  him  the  names  of  1st  Lieutenant  F.  B.  Nel 
son,  and  3d  C.  G.  Gill,  both  of  the  2d  Tennessee  foot  (Haskell's 
regiment)  among  the  killed,  and  in  the  brigade  one  hundred  and  six, 
of  all  ranks,  killed  or  wounded.  Among  the  latter  the  gallant  bri 
gadier-general  himself  has  a  smart  wound  in  the  arm,  but  not  dis 
abled,  and  Major  R.  Farqueson,  2d  Tennessee ;  Captain  H.  F. 
Murray,  2d  Lieutenant  G.  T.  Sutherland,  1st  Lieutenant  W.  P. 
Hale,  (adjutant,)  all  of  the  same  regiment,  severely ;  and  1st  Lieu 
tenant  W.  Yearwood,  mortally  wounded.  And  I  know,  from  per 
sonal  observation  on  the  ground,  that  1st  Lieutenant  Ewell,  of  the 
rifles,  if  not  now  dead,  was  mortally  wounded,  in  entering,  sword 
in  hand,  the  entrenchments  around  the  captured  tower.  Second 
Lieutenant  Derby,  topographical  engineers,  I  also  saw,  at  the  same 


BATTLE   OF   SIERRA    GORDO.  33 

place,  severely  wounded;  and  Captain  Patten,  2d  United  States' 
infantry,  lost  his  right  hand. 

"  Major  Sumner,  2d  United  States'  dragoons,  was  slightly  wound 
ed  the  day  before,  and  Captain  Johnston,  topographical  engineers — 
now  lieutenant-colonel  of  infantry — was  very  severely  wounded  some 
days  earlier,  while  reconnoitring. 

"  I  must  not  omit  to  add  that  Captain  Mason  and  2d  Lieutenant 
Davis,  both  of  the  rifles,  were  among  the  very  severely  wounded  in 
storming  the  same  tower.  I  estimate  our  total  loss,  in  killed  and 
wounded,  may  be  about  two  hundred  and  fifty,  and  that  of  the  enemy 
three  hundred  and  fifty.  In  the  pursuit  towards  Jalapa,  (twenty- 
five  miles  hence,)  I  learn  we  have  added  much  to  the  enemy's  loss 
in  prisoners,  killed,  and  wounded.  In  fact,  I  suppose  his  retreating 
army  to  be  nearly  disorganized,  and  hence  my  haste  to  follow,  in  an 
hour  or  two,  to  profit  by  events. 

"  In  this  hurried  and  imperfect  report,  I  must  not  omit  to  say  that 
Brigadier-General  Twiggs,  in  passing  the  mountain  range  beyond 
Cerro  Gordo,  crowned  with  the  tower,  detached  from  his  division, 
as  I  suggested  before,  a  strong  force  to  carry  that  height,  which 
commanded  the  Jalapa  road  at  the  foot,  and  could  not  fail,  if  carried, 
to  cut  off  the  whole,  or  any  part  of  the  enemy's  forces  from  a  retreat 
in  any  direction.  A  portion  of  the  1st  artillery,  under  the  often-dis 
tinguished  Brevet  Colonel  Childs,  the  3d  infantry,  under  Captain 
Alexander,  the  7th  infantry,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Plymton,  and 
the  rifles,  under  Major  Loring,  all  under  the  temporary  command 
of  Colonel  Harney,  2d  dragoons,  during  the  confinement  to  his  bed 
of  Brevet  Brigadier-General  P.  F.  Smith,  composed  that  detach 
ment.  The  style  of  execution,  which  I  had  the  pleasure  to  witness, 
was  most  brilliant  and  decisive.  The  brigade  ascended  the  long  and 
difficult  slope  of  Sierra  Gordo,  without  shelter,  and  under  the  tre 
mendous  fire  of  artillery  and  musketry,  with  the  utmost  steadiness, 
reached  the  breastworks,  drove  the  enemy  from  them,  planted  the 
colours  of  the  1st  artillery,  3d  and  7th  infantry  —  the  enemy's  flag 
still  flying  —  and,  after  some  minutes  of  sharp  firing,  finished  the 
conquest  with  the  bayonet. 

"  It  is  a  most  pleasing  duty  to  say  that  the  highest  praise  is  due 
to  Harney,  Childs,  Plymton,  Loring,  Alexander,  their  gallant  offi 
cers  and  men,  for  this  brilliant  service,  independent  of  the  great 
results  which  soon  followed. 


34  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

"  Worth's  division  of  regulars  coming  up  at  this  time,  he  detached 
Brevet  Lieutenant-Colonel  C.  F.  Smith,  with  his  light  battalion,  to 
support  the  assault,  but  not  in  time.  The  general,  reaching  the 
tower  a  few  minutes  before  me,  and  observing  a  white  flag  displayed 
from  the  nearest  portion  of  the  enemy  towards  the  batteries  below, 
sent  out  Colonels  Harney  and  Childs  to  hold  a  parley.  The  sur 
render  followed  in  an  hour  or  two. 

"  Major-General  Patterson  left  a  sick  bed  to  share  in  the  dangers 
and  fatigues  of  the  day ;  and  after  the  surrender,  went  forward  to 
command  the  advanced  forces  towards  Jalapa. 

"Brigadier-General  Pillow  and  his  brigade  twice  assaulted  with 
great  daring  the  enemy's  line  of  batteries  on  our  left ;  and  though 
without  success,  they  contributed  much  to  distract  and  dismay  their 
immediate  opponents. 

"President  Santa  Anna,  with  Generals  Canalizo  and  Almonte, 
and  some  six  or  eight  thousand  men,  escaped  towards  Jalapa  just 
before  Sierra  Gordo  was  carried,  and  before  Twiggs'  division  reached 
the  National  Road  above. 

"  I  have  determined  to  parole  the  prisoners — officers  and  men — 
as  I  have  not  the  means  of  feeding  them  here,  beyond  to-day,  and 
cannot  afford  to  detach  a  heavy  body  of  horse  and  foot,  with  wagons, 
to  accompany  them  to  Vera  Cruz.  Our  baggage  train,  though  in 
creasing,  is  not  yet  half  large  enough  to  give  an  assured  progress  to 
this  army.  Besides,  a  greater  number  of  prisoners  would,  probably, 
escape  from  the  escort  in  the  long  and  deep  sandy  road,  without 
subsistence  —  ten  to  one  —  that  we  shall  find  again,  out  of  the  same 
body  of  men,  in  the  ranks  opposed  to  us.  Not  one  of  the  Vera 
Cruz  prisoners  is  believed  to  have  been  in  the  lines  of  Sierra  Gordo. 
Some  six  of  the  officers,  highest  in  rank,  refuse  to  give  their  paroles, 
except  to  go  to  Vera  Cruz,  and  thence,  perhaps,  to  the  United 
States. 

"  The  small  arms  and  their  accoutrements,  being  of  no  value  to 
our  army  here  or  at  home,  I  have  ordered  them  to  be  destroyed,  for 
we  have  not  the  means  of  transporting  them.  I  am  also  somewhat 

embarrassed  with  the  pieces  of  artillery — all  bronze — which 

we  have  captured.  It  will  take  a  brigade,  and  half  the  mules  of  this 
army  to  transport  them  fifty  miles.  A  field  battery  I  shall  take  for 
service  with  the  army ;  but  the  heavy  metal  must  be  collected,  and 


MARCH    FOR    THE    CAPITAL.  35 

left  here  for  the  present.     We  have  our  own  siege-train  and  the 
proper  carriages  with  us. 

"Being  much  occupied  with  the  prisoners,  and  all  the  details  of 
a  forward  movement,  besides  looking  to  the  supplies  which  are  to 
follow  from  Vera  Cruz,  I  have  time  to  add  no  more  —  intending  to 
be  at  Jalapa  early  to-morrow.  We  shall  not,  probably,  again  meet 
with  serious  opposition  this  side  of  Perote  —  certainly  not,  unless 
delayed  by  the  want  of  means  of  transportation. 

"  I  invite  attention  to  the  accompanying  letter  to  President  Sauta 
Anna,  taken  in  his  carriage  yesterday;  also  to  his  proclamation, 
issued  on  hearing  that  we  had  captured  Vera  Cruz,  &c.,  in  which 
he  says : — *  If  the  enemy  advance  one  step  more,  the  national  inde 
pendence  will  be  buried  in  the  abyss  of  the  past.'  We  have  taken 
that  step. 

"  One  of  the  principal  motives  for  paroling  the  prisoners  of  war 
is,  to  diminish  the  resistances  of  other  garrisons  in  our  march." 

After  the  capture  of  Puebla  by  General  Worth,  [May  15th,]  the 
army  remained  there  until  the  7th  of  August,  when  it  commenced 
its  march  for  the  Mexican  capital.  An  excellent  description  of  this 
march,  and  of  the  great  battles  consequent  upon  it,  is  -  given  by  a 
participator. 

"  We  left  Puebla  on  the  morning  of  the  7th,  and  entered  upon  a 
beautiful  rolling  country  of  great  fertility,  supplying  with  its  gar 
dens  the  inhabitants  of  Puebla  with  food,  and  surrounded  by  lofty 
mountains,  some  of  which  were  covered  with  snow.  Our  road  was 
gradually  ascending,  and  so  good  that  on  looking  back  from  the 
head  of  the  column  our  train  could  be  seen  for  miles  in  rear,  dotting 
with  its  snow-white  tops  the  maguey-covered  plain.  On  our  left 
was  Popocatapetl  and  Iscatafetl,  the  snow  on  their  not  distant  tops 
rendering  the  air  quite  chilly.  General  Scott  did  not  leave  with  us, 
but  came  on  the  next  day  with  Captain  Kearny's  dragoons. 

"The  second  day's  march^was  like  the  first,  gradually  ascending, 
passing  through  defiles,  narrow  passes,  and  over  deep  chasms,  where 
a  more  determined  enemy  might  have  seriously  annoyed  us  by 
merely  making  use  of  the  obstacles  Nature  everywhere  presented. 
Thick  woods  of  the  finest  forest-trees  were  abundant,  and  the  rugged 
nature  of  the  country  would  readily  carry  one  back  to  the  northern 
parts  of  New  England,  or  the  passes  of  the  *  Notch.'  Here  and 


36  MAJOR-GENERAL   W1NFIELD   SCOTT. 

there  beautiful  little  lakes  were  interspersed  in  the  deep  valleys, 
and  the  clearness  and  coldness  of  their  waters  were  almost  incredible. 

"  The  third  day  we  were  to  encounter  the  much-vaunted  pass  of 
*  Rio  Frio?  and  also  the  passage  of  the  mountain  which  was  to  lead 
us  to  the  El  Dorado  of  our  hopes,  the  great  plain  of  Mexico.  Our 
march  was  to  be  long  and  difficult,  and  three  o'clock  saw  us  under 
way,  with  heart  and  hopes  full  of  the  prospect  before  us.  The 
dreaded  defile  is  reached  and  passed.  The  mountains  which  skirt 
the  road  on  the  left  here  close  upon  it  for  about  a  mile,  over 
hanging  and  enfilading  it  completely,  and  affording  with  their  crests 
most  excellent  coverings  for  an  enemy's  marksmen.  The  newly- 
cut  trees  and  long  range  of  breastworks  thrown  up  on  the  crest, 
showed  us  that  preparations  had  been  made,  while  numerous  para 
pets  with  embrasures  in  the  logs,  taught  us  what  might  have  been 
done.  But  no  men  were  there ;  the  muskets  and  cannon  were 
gone.  Valencia,  with  six  thousand  Mexicans,  was  full  a  day's 
march  ahead,  making  for  Mexico  with  a  speed  which  betrayed  home 
sickness.  Rio  Frio  was  found  to  be  a  little  stream  pouring  down 
from  the  Snow  mountain,  of  icy  coldness  and  crystal  purity.  After 
a  slight  pause  for  refreshment,  we  commenced  our  ascent  of  the 
ridge  which  separates  the  plains  of  Puebla  and  Mexico,  the  former 
of  which  it  had  hitherto  skirted.  For  several  long  miles  we  toiled 
up  the  hill,  only  recompensed  for  our  labour  by  what  we  hoped  to 
attain  at  last.  When  all  were  pretty  nearly  worn  out,  a  sudden 
turn  in  the  road  brought  to  our  view  a  sight  which  none  can  ever 
forget.  The  whole  vast  plain  of  Mexico  was  before  us.  The  cold 
ness  of  the  air,  which  was  most  sensibly  felt  at  this  great  height, 
our  fatigue  and  danger  were  forgotten,  and  our  eyes  were  the  only 
sense  that  thought  of  enjoyment.  Mexico,  with  its  lofty  steeples 
and  its  chequered  domes,  its  bright  reality,  and  its  former  fame,  its 
modern  splendour  and  its  ancient  magnificence,  was  before  us ; 
while  around  on  every  side  its  thousand  lakes  seemed  like  silver 
stars  on  a  velvet  mantle. 

"  We  encamped  that  night  at  the  base  of  the  mountain,  with  the 
enemy's  scouts  on  every  side  of  us.  The  next  day  we  reached 
Jlyotla,  only  fifteen  miles  from  Mexico  by  the  National  Road,  which 
we  had  hitherto  been  following.  Here  we  halted  until  Generals 
duitman,  Pillow,  and  Worth,  with  their  divisions,  should  come  up. 
We  were  separated  from  the  city  by  the  marshes  which  surround 


DARING   RECONNOISSANCE.  37 

Lake  Tezcuco,  and  by  the  lake  itself.  The  road  is  a  causeway 
running  through  the  marsh,  and  is  commanded  by  a  steep  and  lofty 
hill  called  El  Pinnol.  This  hill  completely  enfilades  and  commands 
the  National  Road,  and  had  been  fortified  and  repaired  with  the 
greatest  care  by  Santa  Anna.  One  side  was  inaccessible  by  nature ; 
the  rest  had  been  made  so  by  art.  Batteries,  in  all  mounting  fifty 
guns  of  different  calibres,  had  been  placed  on  its  sides,  and  a  deep 
ditch,  twenty-four  feet  wide  and  ten  deep,  filled  with  water,  had 
been  cut,  connecting  the  parts  already  surrounded  by  marshes.  On 
this  side  Santa  Anna  had  twenty-five  thousand  men  against  our 
force  of  a  little  over  nine  thousand,  all  told. 

"  On  the  22d  we  made  a  reconnoissance  of  the  work,  which  was 
pronounced  impracticable,  as  the  lives  of  five  thousand  men  would 
be  lost  before  the  ditch  could  be  crossed.  We  continued  our  search, 
and  found  another  road,  which  went  round  on  the  left,  but  when 
within  five  miles  of  the  city  were  halted  by  coming  suddenly  upon 
five  strong  batteries  on  the  hill  which  commanded  this  road,  at  a 
place  called  Mexicaldngo.  We  soon  countermarched,  and  then 
saw  our  danger.  With  one  regiment,  and  three  companies  of  ca 
valry,  in  all  about  four  hundred  men,  we  saw  that  El  Pinnol  lay 
directly  between  us  and  our  camp,  distant  full  fifteen  miles.  Every 
eye  was  fixed  on  the  hill,  with  the  expectation  of  an  approaching 
column  which  should  drive  us  back  into  a  Mexican  prison,  while 
we  stepped  off  with  the  speed  and  endurance  of  four  hundred  Cap 
tain  Barclays  !  At  about  midnight  we  arrived  safely  at  camp,  and 
General  Scott  did  us  the  honour  of  calling  it '  the  boldest  reconnois 
sance  of  the  war.'  General  Worth  was  encamped  about  five  miles 
off — that  is,  in  a  straight  line  —  across  the  Lake  Chalco,  at  a  place 
of  the  same  name,  but  about  ten  miles  by  the  road.  The  Mexicans 
had  a  foundry  in  the  mountains,  at  which  we  were  getting  some 
shells  made,  and  on  returning  from  which  Lieutenant  Schuyler  Ha 
milton  was  badly  wounded. 

"  By  means  of  his  scouts,  General  Worth  had  found  a  path  round 
the  left  of  Lake  Chalco,  which  led  us  to  the  western  gate  of  the 
city,  and  which,  up  to  that  time,  had  not  been  fortified.  On  the 
14th,  the  other  divisions  commenced  their  march,  while  we  brought 
up  the  train  and  the  rear.  In  the  morning,  the  train  was  sent  m 
advance,  while  Smith's  brigade  acted  as  rear-guard.  It  was  com 
posed  of  the  rifles,  1st  artillery,  and  the  3d  infantry,  with  Taylor'* 
4 


38.  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

battery.  As  the  rear-guard,  marching  slowly  along,  reached  with 
the  train,  word  came  to  General  Twiggs  that  a  force  of  about  five 
thousand  men  were  trying  to  cross  the  road  between  them  and  the 
train  in  order  to  cut  it  off.  We  were  then  passing  through  a  small 
village  which,  by  a  curious  coincidence,  was  called  Buena  Vista. 
On  our  left  were  large  fields  of  half-grown  barley,  through  which 
was  seen  advancing  in  splendid  order  the  enemy's  column.  It  was 
the  most  splendid  sight  I  had  ever  seen.  The  yellow  cloaks,  red 
caps  and  jackets  of  the  lancers,  and  the  bright  blue  and  white  uni 
forms  of  the  infantry,  were  most  beautifully  contrasted  with  the 
green  of  the  barley-field.  Our  line  of  battle  was  soon  formed,  and 
we  deployed  through  the  grain  to  turn  their  left  and  cut  them  off 
from  the  mountains.  A  few  shots,  however,  from  the  battery,  soon 
showed  them  that  they  were  observed ;  and,  countermarching  in 
haste,  they  left  their  dead  on  the  field.  Thus  ended  our  fight  of 
Buena  Vista.  That  night  we  staid  at  Chalco.  The  next  day  we 
made  a  long  and  toilsome  march  over  a  horrible  road,  through 
which,  with  the  utmost  difficulty,  we  dragged  our  wagons  by  the 
assistance  of  both  men  and  mules.  The  next  was  nearly  the  same, 
except  that  the  road  was,  if  possible,  worse  than  before,  as  the  Mexi 
cans  had  blocked  it  up  with  large  stones,  rolled  down  from  the 
neighbouring  hills.  This  night  we  encamped  at  a  most  beautiful 
olive  grove,  of  immense  size,  and  accommodating  at  once  both  divi 
sions.  In  the  town,  as  well  as  in  Chalco,  there  are  still  standing 
the  churches  of  the  Indians,  where  the  fire-worshippers  assembled 
before  Cortez  had  introduced  a  new  religion.  They  are  large  and 
sombre  edifices,  differing  but  little  from  the  churches  of  this  country, 
and,  being  near  the  city,  are  said  to  have  been  formerly  resorted  to 
by  the  ancient  kings. 

"  The  next  day  we  arrived  in  sight  of  the  rest  of  the  army,  and 
heard  the  guns  with  which  Worth  was  breaching  the  walls  of  San 
Antonio.  That  night  the  news  of  the  death  of  Captain  Thornton, 
of  the  2d  dragoons,  reached  us.  He  was  a  brave  officer  and  a  tho 
rough  gentleman,  but  was  always  unfortunate  in  his  military  career. 

"On  the  morning  of  the  19th,  we  left  the  little  village  where  we 
had  heard  this  sad  news,  and  took  the  road  to  San  Juan,  about 
seven  miles  to  the  west,  and  only  about  ten  miles  from  the  city. 
When  we  arrived  here  we  heard  the  sound  of  General  Worth's 
guns,  who  was  said  to  have  attacked  San  Augustine,  a  village  three 


SKIRMISH   WITH    THE    ENEMY.  39 

miles  nearer  the  capital,  where  Santa  Anna  was  said  to  he  with 
twenty  thousand  rften.  When  we  arrived  at  San  Juan,  the  men 
were  told  to  sling  their  blankets  across  their  shoulders,  put  their 
knapsacks  into  their  wagons,  and  to  put  two  days'  bread  and  beef 
in  their  haversacks.  When  this  order  came,  all  knew  that  the  time 
had  come.  The  officers  arranged  their  effects,  put  on  their  old  coats, 
and  filled  their  haversacks  and  flasks.  Soon  we  were  ready  for  any 
thing  but  a  thrashing.  We  here  heard  the  position  of  the  enemy, 
which  was  nearly  as  follows :  Santa  Anna,  with  twenty  thousand 
men,  was  at  San  Augustine;  Valencia,  with  ten  thousand,  was  at 
a  hill  called  Contreros,  which  commanded  another  road  parallel  to 
the  San  Augustine  road,  but  which  led  into  it  between  the  city  and 
Santa  Anna.  Now,  by  cutting  a  road  across,  if  we  could  whip 
Valencia,  we  could  follow  the  road  up,  and  thus  get  in  between 
Santa  Anna  and  Mexico,  and  whip  him  too.  General  Worth  (sup 
ported  by  General  Gluitman)  was  to  keep  Santa  Anna  in  check, 
while  Twiggs  (backed  by  Pillow)  was  to  try  and  astonish  Valencia, 
which  you  will  see  he  did  very  effectually.  Pillow,  with  some  of 
the  ten  regiments,  was  to  cut  the  road. 

"  We  left  San  Juan  about  one  o'clock,  not  particularly  desiring  a 
fight  so  late  in  the  day,  but  still  not  shunning  it  in  case  we  could 
have  a  respectable  chance.  About  two  P.  M.,  as  we  had  crawled 
to  the  top  of  a  hill,  whither  we  had  been  ourselves  pulling  Magru- 
der's  battery  and  the  mountain  howitzers,  we  suddenly  espied  Va 
lencia  fortified  on  a  hill  about  two  hundred  yards  off,  and  strongly 
reinforced  by  a  column  which  had  just  come  out  of  the  city.  We 
laid  down  close  to  avoid  drawing  their  fire,  while  the  battery  moved 
past  at  a  full  gallop.  Just  then,  General  Smith's  manly  voice  rung 
out,  'Forward  the  rifles  —  to  support  the  battery.'  On  they  went 
till  we  got  about  eight  hundred  yards  from  the  work,  when  the 
enemy  opened  upon  -them  with  his  long  guns,  which  were  after 
wards  found  to  be  sixteen  and  eight-inch  howitzers.  The  ground 
was  the  worst  possible  for  artillery,  covered  with  rocks  large  and 
small,  prickly-pear  and  cactus,  intersected  by  ditches  filled  with 
water  and  lined  with  maguey-plant,  itself  imperviable  to  cavalry, 
and  with  patches  of  corn  which  concealed  the  enemy's  skirmishers, 
while  it  impeded  our  own  passage.  The  artillery  advanced  but 
slowly  under  a  most  tremendous  fire,  which  greatly  injured  it  before 
it  could  be  got  in  range,  and  the  thickness  of  the  undergrowth  caused 


40  MAJOR-GENERAL    WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

the  skirmishers  thrown  forward  to  lose  their  relative  position,  as  well 
as  the  column.  About  four,  the  battery  got  in  position  under  a  most 
murderous  fire  of  grape,  canister,  and  round-shot.  .Here  the  supe 
riority  of  the  enemy's  pieces  rendered  our  fire  nugatory.  We  could 
get  but  three  pieces  in  battery,  while  they  had  twenty-seven,  all  of( 
them  three  times  the  calibre  of  ours.  For  two  hours  our  troops  stood 
the  storm  of  iron  and  lead  they  hailed  upon  them  unmoved.  At 
every  discharge  they  laid  flat  down  to  avoid  the  storm,  and  then 
sprung  up  to  serve  the  guns.  At  the  erfd  of  that  time,  two  of  the 
guns  were  dismounted,  and  we  badly  hurt :  thirteen  of  the  horses 
were  killed  and  disabled,  and  fifteen  of  the  cannoniers  killed  and 
wounded.  The  regiment  was  then  recalled.  The  lancers  had  been 
repelled  in  three  successive  charges.  The  3d  infantry  and  1st  artil 
lery  had  also  engaged  and  successfully  repelled  the  enemy's  skir 
mishers  without  losing  either  officers  or  men.  The  greatest  loss  had 
been  at  the  batteries.  Officers  looked  gleomy  for  the  first  day's  fight, 
but  the  brigade  was  formed,  and  General  Smith  in  person  took  com 
mand.  All  felt  revived,  and  followed  him  with  a  yell,  as,  creeping 
low  to  avoid  the  grape,  (which  was  coming  very  fast,)  we  made  a 
circuit  in  rear' of  the  batteries ;  and,  passing  off*  to  the  right,  we  were 
soon  lost  to  view  in  the  chapparal  and  cactus. 

"  Passing  over  the  path  that  we  scrambled  through,  behold  us  at 
almost  six  o'clock  in  the  evening,  tired,  hungry,  and  sorrowful, 
emerging  from  the  chaparral  and  crossing  the  road  between  it  and 
Valencia.  Here  we  found  Cadwalader  and  his  brigade  already 
formed,  and  discovered  Riley's  brigade  skirmishing  in  rear  of  the 
enemy's  works.  Valencia  was  ignorant  of  our  approach,  and  we 
were  as  yet  safe.  In  front  of  us  was  Valencia,  strongly  entrenched 
on  a  hill-side  and  surrounded  by  a  regular  field-work,  concealed  from 
us  by  an  orchard  in  our  rear.  Mendoza,  with  a  column  of  six 
thousand,  was  in  the  road,  but  thinking  us  to  be  friends.  On  our 
right  was  a  large  range  of  hills  whose  continued  crest  was  parallel 
to  the  road,  and  in  which  were  formed  in  line  of  battle  five  thousand 
of  the  best  Mexican  cavalry.  On  our  left  we  were  separated  from 
our  own  forces  by  an  almost  impassable  wilderness,  and  it  was  now 
twilight.  Even  Smith  looked  round  for  help.  Suddenly  a  thou 
sand  vivas  came  across  the  hill-side  like  the  yells  of  prairie  wolves 
in  the  dead  of  night,  and  the  squadrons  on  our  right  formed  for 
charging.  Smith  is  himself  again  !  "  Face  to  the  rear !"  "  Wait 


BATTLE   OF    CONTREROS.  41 

till  you  see  their  red  caps,  and  then  give  it  to  them!"  Furiously 
they  came  on  a  few  yards,  then  changed  their  minds,  and,  disgusted 
at  our  cool  reception,  retired  to  their  couches. 

On  the  edge  of  the  road,  between  us  and  Valencia,  a  Mexican 
hamlet  spread  out,  with  its  mud  huts,  large  orchards,  deep-cut  roads, 
and  a  strong  church ;  and  through  the  centre  of  this  hamlet  ran  a 
path  parallel  to  the  main  road,  but  concealed  from  it ;  it  is  nearly  a 
mile  long.  In  this  road  Smith's  and  Riley's  brigade  bivouacked. 
Shields,  who  came  up  in  the  night,  lay  in  the  orchard,  while  Cad- 
walader  was  nearest  the  enemy's  works.  As  we  were  within  range 
of  their  batteries,  which  could  enfilade  the  road  in  which  we  lay, 
we  built  a  stone  breastwork  at  either  end  to  conceal  ourselves  from 
their  view  and  grape.  There  we  were,  completely  surrounded  by 
the  enemy,  cut  off  from  our  communications,  ignorant  of  the  ground, 
without  artillery,  weary,  dispirited,  and  dejected.  We  were  a  dis 
heartened  set.  With  Santa  Anna  and  Salas's  promise  of  "  no  quar 
ter,"  a  force  of  four  to  one  against  us,  and  one  half  defeated  already, 
no  succour  from  Puebla,  and  no  news  from  General  Scott,  all  seemed 
dark.  Suddenly  the  words  came  whispered  along,  "  we  storm  at 
midnight."  Now  we  are  ourselves  again !  But  what  a  horrible 
night !  There  we  lay,  too  tired  to  eat,  too  wet  to  sleep,  in  the  mid 
dle  of  that  muddy  road,  officers  and  men  side  by  side,  with  a  heavy 
rain  pouring  down  upon  us,  the  officers  without  blankets  or  over 
coats,  (they  had  lost  them  in  coming  across,)  and  the  men  worn  out 
with  fatigue.  About  midnight  the  rain  was  so  heavy  that  the 
streams  in  the  road  flooded  us,  and  there  we  stood  crowded  together, 
drenched  and  benumbed,  waiting  till  daylight. 

At  half-past  three  the  welcome  word  "fall  in"  was  passed  down, 
and  we  commenced  our  march.  The  enemy's  works  were  on  a 
hill-side,  behind  which  rose  other  and  slightly  higher  hills,  separated 
by.  deep  ravines  and  gullies,  and  intersected  by  streams.  The 
whole  face  of  the  country  was  of  stiff  clay,  which  rendered  it  almost 
impossible  to  advance.  We  formed  our  line  about  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  from  the  enemy's  works,  Riley's  brigade  on  our  right.  At 
about  four  we  started,  winding  through  a  thick  orchard  which  effec 
tually  concealed  us,  even  had  it  not  been  dark,  debouching  into  a 
deep  ravine  which  ran  within  about  five  hundred  yards  of  the  work, 
and  which  carried  us  directly  in  rear  and  out  of  sight  of  their  batte 
ries.  At  dawn  of  day  we  reached  our  place  after  incredible  exer- 
4*  P* 


42  MAJOR-GENERAL    WINFIELD    SCOTT. 

tions,  and  got  ready  for  our  charge.  The  men  threw  off  their  wet 
blankets  and  looked  to  their  pieces,  while  the  officers  got  ready  for 
a  rush,  and  the  first  smile  that  lit  up  our  faces  for  twelve  hours  boded 
but  little  good  for  the  Mexicans.  On  the  right,  and  opposite  the 
right  of  their  work,  was  Riley's  brigade  of  the  2d  and  1st  infantry 
and  4th  artillery,  next  the  rifles,  then  the  1st  artillery  and  Sd'infan- 
try.  In  rear  of  our  left  was  Cadwalader's  brigade,  as  a  support, 
with  Shields's  brigade  in  rear  as  a  reserve — the  whole  division  un 
der  command  of  General  Smith,  in  the  absence  of  General  Twiggs. 
They  had  a  smooth  place  to  rush  down  on  the  enemy's  work,  with 
the  brow  of  the  hill  to  keep  under  until  the  word  was  given. 

"At  last,  just  at  daylight,  General  Smith  slowly  walking  up,  asked 
if  all  was  ready.  A  look  answered  him.  *  Men  forward ."  And 
we  did  *  forward.'  Springing  up  at  once,  Riley's  brigade  opened, 
when  the  crack  of  a  hundred  rifles  startled  the  Mexicans  from  their 
astonishment,  and  they  opened  their  fire.  Useless  fire  !  for  we  were 
so  close  that  they  overshot  us,  and,  before  they  could  turn  their 
pieces  on  us  we  were  on  them.  Then  such  cheers  arose  as  you 
never  heard.  The  men  rushed  forward  like  demons,  yelling  and 
firing  the  while.  The  carnage  was  frightful,  and,  though  they  fired 
sharply,  it  was  of  no  use.  The  earthen  parapet  was  cleared  in  an 
instant,  and  the  blows  of  the  stocks  could  be  plainly  heard  mingled 
with  the  yells  and  groans  around.  Just  before  the  charge  was  made, 
a  large  body  of  lancers  came  winding  up  the  road  looking  most 
splendidly  in  their  brilliant  uniforms.  They  never  got  to  the  work, 
but  turned  and  fled.  In  an  instant  all  was  one  mass  of  confusion, 
each  trying  to  be  foremost  in  the  flight.  The  road  was  literally 
blocked  up,  and,  while  many  perished  by  their  own  guns,  it  was 
almost  impossible  to  fire  on  the  mass  from  the  danger  of  killing  our 
own  men.  Some  fled  up  the  ravine  on  the  left,  or  on  the  right,  and 
many  of  these  were  slain  by  turning  their  own  guns  on  them.  To 
wards  the  city  the  rifles  and  2d  infantry  led  off  the  pursuit.  Seeing 
that  a  large  crowd  of  the  fugitives  were  jammed  up  in  a  pass  in 
the  road,  some  of  our  men  ran  through  the  cornfield,  and  by  thus 
heading  them  off  and  firing  down  upon  them,  about  thirty  men  took 
over  five  hundred  prisoners,  nearly  a  hundred  of  them  officers. 
After  disarming  the  prisoners,  as  the  pursuit  had  ceased,  we  went 
back  to  the  fort,  where  we  found  our  troops  in  full  possession,  and 
the  rout  complete. 


DEFEAT   OF   THE    ENEMY.  43 

"  We  found  that  the  enemy's  position  was  much  stronger  than 
we  had  supposed,  and  their  artillery  much  larger  and  more  abun 
dant.  Our  own  loss  was  small,  which  may  be  accounted  for  by 
their  perfect  surprise  at  our  charge,  as  to  them  we  appeared  as  if 
rising  out  of  the  earth,  so  unperceived  was  our  approach.  Our  loss 
was  one  officer  killed,  Captain  Hanson  of  the  7th  infantry,  and 
Lieutenant  Van  Buren  of  the  rifles  shot  through  the  leg,  and  about 
fifty  men  killed  and  wounded.  Their  force  consisted  of  eight  thou 
sand  men,  under  Valencia,  with  a  reserve,  which  had  not  yet  arrived, 
under  Santa  Anna.  Their  loss,  as  since  ascertained,  was  as  follows: 
Killed  and  buried  since  the  fight,  seven  hundred  and  fifty ;  wound 
ed,  one  thousand,  and  fifteen  hundred  prisoners,  exclusive  of  officers, 
including  four  generals — Salas,  Mendoza,  Garcia,  and  Guadalupe — 
in  addition  to  dozens  of  colonels,  majors,  captains,  &c.  We  captured 
in  all  on  the  hill  twenty-two  pieces  of  cannon,  including  five  eight- 
inch  howitzers,  two  long  eighteens,  three  long  sixteens,  and  several 
of  twelve  and  eight  inches,  and  also  the  two  identical  six-pounders 
captured'  by  the  Mexicans  at  Buena  Vista,  taken  from  Captain 
Washington's  battery  of  the  4th  artillery.  The  first  officer  who 
saw  them  happened  to  be  the  officer  of  the  4th,  selected  by  General 
Scott  to  command  the  new  battery  of  that  regiment,  Captain  Drum. 
In  addition  were  taken  immense  quantities  of  ammunition  and  mus 
kets  ;  in  fact,  the  way  was  strewed  with  muskets,  escopets,  lances, 
and  flags  for  miles.  Large  quantities  of  horses  and  mules  were  also 
captured,  though  large  numbers  were  killed. 

"Thus  ended  the  glorious  battle  of  Contreros,  in  which  two  thou 
sand  men,  under  General  P.  F.  Smith,  completely  routed  and  de 
stroyed  an  army  of  eight  thousand  men,  under  General  Valencia, 
with  Santa  Anna  and  a  force  of  twenty  thousand  men,  within  five 
miles.  Their  army  was  so  completely  routed  that  not  fifteen  hun 
dred  men  rejoined  Santa  Anna  and  participated  in  the  second  bat 
tle.  Most  people  would  have  thought  that  a  pretty  good  day's  work. 
Not  so.  We  had  only  saved  ourselves,  not  conquered  Mexico,  and 
men's  work  was  before  us  yet. 

"At  eight  A.  M.  we  formed  again,  and  General  Twiggs  having 
taken  command,  we  started  on  the  road  to  Mexico.  We  had  hardly 
marched  a  mile  before  we  were  sharply  fired  upon  from  both  sides 
of  the  road,  and  our  right  was  deployed  to  drive  the  enemy  in.  We 
goon  found  that  we  had  caught  up  with  the  retreating  party,  from 


44        MAJOR-GENERAL  WINFIELD  SCOTT. 

the  very  brisk  firing  in  front,  and  we  drove  them  through  the  little 
town  of  San  Angelo,  where  they  had  been  halting  in  force.  About 
half  a  mile  from  this  town  we  entered  the  suburbs  of  another  called 
San  Katherina,  when  a  large  party  in  the  church-yard  fired  on  the 
head  of  the  column,  and  the  balls  came  right  among  us.  Our  men 
kept  rushing  on  their  rear  and  cutting  them  down,  until  a  discharge 
of  grape-shot  from  a  large  piece  in  front  drove  them  back  to  the 
column.  In  this  short  space  of  time  five  men  were  killed,  ten  taken 
prisoners,  and  a  small  colour  captured,  which  was  carried  the  rest 
of  the  day. 

"  Meanwhile  General  Worth  had  made  a  demonstration  on  San 
Antonio,  where  the  enemy  was  fortified  in  a  strong  hacienda ;  but 
they  retired  on  his  approach  to  Churubusco,  where  the  works  were 
deemed  impregnable.  They  consisted  of  a  fortified  hacienda,  which 
was  surrounded  by  a  high  and  thick  wall  on  all  sides.  Inside  the 
wall  was  a  stone  building,  the  roof  of  which  was  flat  and  higher 
than  the  walls.  Above  all  this  was  a  stone  church,  still  higher  than 
the  rest,  and  having  a  large  steeple.  The  wall  was  pierced  with 
loop-holes,  and  so  arranged  that  there  were  two  tiers  of  men  firing 
at  the  same  time.  They  thus  had  four  different  ranges  of  men  firing 
at  once,  and  four  ranks  were  formed  on  each  range,  and  placed  at 
such  a  height  that  they  could  not  only  overlook  all  the  surrounding 
country,  but  at  the  same  time  they  had  a  plunging  fire  upon  us. 
Outside  the  hacienda,  and  completely  commanding  the  avenues  of 
approach,  was  a  field-work  extending  around  two  sides  of  the  fort, 
and  protected  by  a  deep  wet  ditch,  and  armed  with  seven  large 
pieces.  This  hacienda  is  at  the  commencement  of  the  causeway 
leading  to  the  western  gate  of  the  city,  and  had  to  be  passed  before 
getting  on  the  road.  About  three  hundred  yards  in  rear  of  this 
work  another  field-work  had  been  built  where  a  cross-road  meets 
the  causeway,  at  a  point  where  it  crosses  a  river,  thus  forming  a 
bridge  head,  or  t&te  de  pont.  This  was  also  very  strong,  and  armed 
with  three  large  pieces  of  cannon.  The  works  were  surround 
ed  on  every  side  by  large  corn-fields,  which  were  filled  with  the 
enemy's  skirmishers,  so  that  it  was  difficult  to  make  a  reconnoissance. 
It  was  therefore  decided  to  make  the  attack  immediately,  as  they 
were  full  of  men,  and  extended  for  nearly  a  mile  on  the  road  to  the 
city,  completely  covering  the  causeway.  The  attack  commenced 
about  one,  P.  M.  General  Twiggs's  division  attacked  on  the  side 


BATTLE   OF    CIIURUBUSCO.  45 

towards  which  they  approached  the  fort ;  that  is,  opposite  the  city. 
General  Worth's  attacked  the  bridge  head,  which  he  took  in  about 
an  hour  and  a  half;  while  Generals  Pillow  and  Quitman  were  on 
the  extreme  left,  between  the  causeway  and  Twiggs's  division.  The 
rifles  were  on  the  left  and  in  rear  of  the  work,  intrusted  by  Gene 
ral  Scott  with  the  task  of  charging  it  in  case  General  Pierce 
gave  way.  The  firing  was  most  tremendous — in  fact,  one  continued 
roll  while  the  combat  lasted.  The  enemy,  from  their  elevated  sta 
tion,  could  readily  see  our  men,  who  were  unable  to  get  a  clear 
view  from  their  position.  Three  of  the  pieces  were  manned  by 
'  the  Deserters,'  a  body  of  about  one  hundred,  who  had  deserted 
from  the  ranks  of  our  army  during  the  war.  They  were  enrolled 
in  two  companies,  commanded  by  a  deserter,  and  were  better  uni 
formed  and  disciplined  than  the  rest  of  the  army.  These  men 
fought  most  desperately,  and  are  said  not  only  to  have  shot  down 
geveral  of  our  officers  whom  they  knew,  but  to  have  pulled  down 
the  white  flag  of  surrender  no  less  than  three  times. 

"  The  battle  raged  most  furiously  for  about  three  hours,  when, 
both  sides  having  lost  a  great  many,  the  enemy  began  to  give  way. 
As  soon  as  they  commenced  retreating,  Kearny's  squadron  passed 
through  the  tete  de  pant,  and,  charging  through  the  retreating  co 
lumn,  pursued  them  to  the  very  gate  of  the  city.  When  our  men  got 
within  about  five  hundred  yards  of  the  gate,  they  were  opened  upon 
with  grape  and  canister,  and  several  officers  wounded.  Amongst 
the  number  was  Captain  Kearny,  1st  dragoons,  who  lost  his  left 
arm  above  the  elbow.  Lieutenant  Graham,  of  New  York,  received 
a  severe  flesh-wound  in  his  left  arm.  Captain  McReynolds,  ditto. 
Our  loss  in  this  second  battle  was  large.  We  lost  in  killed  seven 
officers  :  Captains  Capron,  Burke,  1st  artillery  ;  Lieutenants  Irons, 
Johnston,  Hoffman,  Captain  Anderson,  Lieutenant  Easely,  2d  in 
fantry  ;  Captain  Hanson,  7th  infantry.  Lieutenant  Irons  died  on 
the  28th.  Colonel  Butler,  of  South  Carolina,  and  about  thirty 
officers  wounded,  exclusive  of  the  volunteers.  The  official  returns 
give  our  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  at  one  thousand  one  hundred 
and  fifty,  besides  officers.  The  Mexican  loss  is  five  hundred  killed 
in  the  second  battle,  one  thousand  wounded,  and  eleven  hundred 
prisoners,  exclusive  of  officers.  Three  more  generals  were  taken, 
among  them  General  Rincon  and  Anaya,  the  provisional  President ; 
also,  ten  pieces  of  cannon  and  an  immense  amount  of  ammunition 


46  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

and  stores.  Santa  Anna,  in  his  report,  states  his  loss  in  killed, 
wounded,  and  missing  at  twelve  thousand.  He  has  only  eighteen 
thousand  left  out  of  thirty  thousand,  which  he  gives  as  his  force  on 
the  20th  in  both  actions. 

"  Thus  ended  the  battle  of  Churubusco,  one  of  the  most  furious 
and  deadly,  for  its  length,  of  any  of  the  war.  For  reasons  which 
he  deemed  conclusive,  General  Scott  did  not  enter  the  city  that 
night,  but  encamped  on  the  battle-field,  about  four  miles  from  the 
western  gate  of  the  city.  The  next  day  a  flag  of  truce  came  out, 
and  propositions  were  made  which  resulted  in  an  armistice. 

"  Meanwhile,  the  army  is  encamped  in  the  villages  around  the 
city,  recruiting  from  their  fatigue  and  nursing  the  sick  and  wounded. 
There  are  but  few  sick,  and  the  wounded  are  getting  along  com 
fortably  in  their  hospitals. 

The  New  Orleans  Delta  has  the  following  remarks  on  these 
battles : 

"Never  have  there  been  exhibited  in  one  day  so  many  individual 
instances  of  heroic  courage,  indomitable  valour,  and  determination 
in  overcoming  great  and  apparently  insurmountable  obstacles.  From 
one  end  of  the  army  to  the  other  there  prevailed  but  one  feeling  and 
one  resolve,  and  that  was  victory  or  death.  Our  officers  set  noble 
examples  to  their  men,  which  were,  imitated  with  as  much  cool  de 
termination  as  they  were  set.  There  was  no  faltering,  no  holding- 
back,  and  there  is  no  corps  or  command  but  acquitted  itself  with 
honour  to  themselves  and  credit  to  the  country.  The  regulars 
added  new  laurels  to  those  already  acquired,  and  the  volunteers 
have  given  a  repetition  of  the  noble  bearing  of  their  countrymen  on 
the  bloody  field  of  Buena  Vista.  South  Carolina  chivalry  and  the 
sons  of  the  Empire  State  have  inscribed  their  names  on  the  roll  of 
fame,  and  will  return  home  bright  ornaments  to  the  states  from 
whence  they  came. 

"  The  Mexicans  also  fought  as  they  never  fought  before  ;  they 
strongly  resisted  us  at  every  point,  and  contested  every  inch  with 
the  strongest  determination  and  even  to  desperation.  They  knew 
that  their  capital  and  their  all  depended  upon  the  issue,  and  with 
this  knowledge  and  thus  prompted,  they  threw  themselves  into  the 
breach  as  no  person  ever  expected  they  would — and  one  of  the  best 
evidences  of  this  is  the  number  of  killed  and  wounded  on  both  sides. 

"General  Scott,  at  the  head  of  our  army  during  the  engagement, 


CESSATION    OF   HOSTILITIES.  47 

received  a  slight  wound  in  the  leg,  and,  what  is  very  remarkable, 
no  person  whatever  except  himself  was  aware  of  it  until  after  the 
battle  was  over.  A  great  deal  has  been  said  and  written  in  reference 
to  the  ability  of  General  Scott  as  a  military  man,  but  those  who  have 
not  seen  him  in  command  and  under  fire,  cannot  form  any  just  con 
ception  of  his  abilities.  His  cool  consideration  of  every  thing  around 
him  —  his  quick  perception  —  his  firm  resolves  and  immediate  exe 
cution — equal  if  they  do  not  surpass  those  of  any  of  the  great  gene 
rals  whose  deeds  have  been  made  so  conspicuous  in  history." 

After  the  works  at  Churubusco  had  been  carried  by  storm,  the 
dragoons,  under  their  valiant  leader,  Colonel  Harney,  were  ordered 
forward  to  pursue  the  retreating  foe ;  and  onward  they  went,  like 
winged  messengers  of  death,  their  bright  sabres  glittering  in  the 
sunbeams,  amidst  the  huzzas  of  the  light  troops,  flushed  with  the 
victory  over  the  fort.  The  horses  seemed  to  partake  of  the  enthu 
siasm  of  their  riders,  and  dashed  forward  with  supernatural  strength, 
and  in  this  spirit  and  state  of  feeling  they  overtook  the  flying  army, 
and  continued  to  cut  them  down  to  the  very  gates  of  the  city. 

Ayotk  is  twenty  miles  from  Mexico,  on  the  main  road  from  Vera 
Cruz  to  that  capital.  About  midway  between  Ayotla  and  Mexico 
are  the  strong  fortifications  of  Penon ;  and  others  at  another  pass 
called  Mexicalcingo.  Mexicalcingo  lies  to  the  southward  of  the 
Vera  Cruz  road,  at  the  head  of  Lake  Xochimilco.  It  is  about  six 
miles  S.  S.  E.  from  Mexico,  while  Penon  is  about  nine  miles  E.  S.  E. 
The  town  of  Chalco  is  situated  on  the  eastern  border  of  the  lake  of 
the  same  name,  three  or  four  miles  south  of  the  Vera  Cruz  road. 
The  Venta  de  Chalco,  or  village  of  Chalco,  is  immediately  on  said 
road,  two  or  three  miles  south-east  of  Ayotla.  The  route  of  the 
army  from  that  point  ran  along  the  northern  and  then  the  western 
border  of  Lake  Chalco,  between  which  and  Lake  Xochimilco  on  the 
west  there  is  only  half  a  mile  of  land.  The  road  around  the  town 
passes  entirely  to  the  southward  of  Lake  Chalco. 

Contreros,  where  the  first  battle  was  fought,  is  a  fortified  position 
between  San  Augustin  and  San  Angel.  Churubusco,  the  scene  of 
the  second  great  conflict,  is  about  two  miles  north  of  San  Angel,  and 
perhaps  four  south  of  Mexico. 

On  the  evening  of  the  20th,  General ^Scott  offered  a  cessation  of 
hostilities  to  the  Mexican  authorities,  in  order  to  afford  an  opportu 
nity  to  negotiate  a  treaty  of  peace.  This  was  accepted.  Commis 


48  MAJOR-GENERAL    WINFIELD    SCOTT. 

sioners  were  appointed  by  Santa  Anna  to  confer  with  those  from 
the  American  army,  named  by  General  Scott.  The  following  terms 
of  a  preparatory  armistice  were  concluded  by  these  gentlemen : — 

"ART.  1.  Hostilities  shall  instantly  and  absolutely  cease  between 
:he  armies  of  the  United  States  of  America  and  the  United  Mexican 
States,  within  thirty  leagues  of  the  capital  of  the  latter  states,  to 
allow  time  to  the  commissioners  appointed  by  the  United  States  and 
the  commissioners  to  be  appointed  by  the  Mexican  republic  to  ne 
gotiate. 

"  2.  The  armistice  shall  continue  as  long  as  the  commissioners 
of  the  two  governments  may  be  engaged  on  negotiations,  or  until 
the  commander  of  either  of  the  said  armies  shall  give  formal  notice 
to  the  other  of  the  cessation  of  the  armistice,  and  for  forty-eight 
hours  after  such  notice. 

"3.  In  the  mean  time  neither  army  shall,  within  thirty  leagues  of 
the  city  of  Mexico,  commence  any  new  fortification  or  military 
work  of  offence  or  defence,  or  do  anything  to  enlarge  or  strengthen 
any  existing  work  or  fortification  of  that  character  within  the  said 
limits. 

"  4.  Neither  army  shall  be  reinforced  within  the  same.  Any  rein 
forcements  in  troops  or  munitions  of  war,  other  than  subsistence 
now  approaching  either  army,  shall  be  stopped  at  the  distance  of 
twenty-eight  leagues  from  the  city  of  Mexico. 

*'  6.  Neither  army  or  any  detachment  from  it,  shall  advance  be 
yond  the  line  it  at  present  occupies. 

"6.  Neither  army,  nor  any  detachment  or  individual  of  either, 
shall  pass  the  neutral  limits  established  by  the  last  article,  except 
under  a  flag  of  truce  bearing  the  correspondence  between  the  two 
armies,  or  on  the  business  authorized  by  the  next  article,  and  indi 
viduals  of  either  army  who  may  chance  to  straggle  within  the  neu 
tral  limits  shall,  by  the  opposite  party,  be  kindly  warned  off  or  sent 
back  to  their  own  armies  under  flags  of  truce. 

"  7.  The  American  army  shall  not  by  violence  obstruct  the  pas 
sage,  from  the  open  country  into  the  city  of  Mexico,  of  the  ordinary 
supplies  of  food  necessary  to  the  consumption  of  its  inhabitants  or 
the  Mexican  army  within  the  city ;  nor  shall  the  Mexican  authori 
ties,  civil  or  military,  do  any  act  to  obstruct  the  passage  of  supplies 
from  the  city  or  the  country  needed  by  the  American  army. 

"  8.  All  American  prisoners  of  war  remaining  in  the  hands  of  the 


TERMS   OF   THE   ARMISTICE.  49 

Mexican  army,  and  not  heretofore  exchanged,  shall  immediately,  or 
as  soon  as  practicable,  be  restored  to  the  American  army,  against  a 
like  number,  having  regard  to  rank,  of  Mexican  prisoners  captured 
by  the  American  army. 

"  9.  All  American  citizens  who  were  established  in  the  city  of 
Mexico  prior  to  the  existing  war,  and  who  have  since  been  expelled 
from  that  city,  shall  be  allowed  to  return  to  their  respective  business 
or  families  therein,  without  delay  or  molestation. 

"  10.  The  better  to  enable  the  belligerent  armies  to  execute  these 
articles,  and  to  favour  the  great  object  of  peace,  it  is  further  agreed 
between  the  parties,  that  any  courier  with  despatches  that  either 
army  shall  desire  to  send  along  the  line  from  the  city  of  Mexico  or 
its  vicinity,  to  and  from  Vera  Cruz,  shall  receive  a  safe  conduct  from 
the  commander  of  the  opposing  army. 

"  11.  The  administration  of  justice  between  Mexicans,  according 
to  the  general  and  state  constitutions  and  laws,  by  the  local  authori 
ties  of  the  towns  and  places  occupied  by  the  American  forces,  shall 
not  be  obstructed  in  any  manner. 

"  12.  Persons  and  property  shall  be  respected  in  the  towns  and 
places  occupied  by  the  American  forces.  No  person  shall  be  mo 
lested  in  the  exercise  of  his  profession  ;  nor  shall  the  services  of  any 
one  be  required  without  his  consent.  In  all  cases  where  services 
are  voluntarily  rendered  a  just  price  shall  be  paid,  and  trade  remain 
unmolested. 

"  13.  Those  wounded  prisoners  who  may  desire  to  remove  to 
some  more  convenient  place,  for  the  purpose  of  being  cured  of  their 
wounds,  shall  be  allowed  to  do  so  without  molestation,  they  still  re 
maining  prisoners. 

"  14.  The  Mexican  medical  officers  who  may  wish  to  attend  the 
wounded  shall  have  the  privilege  of  doing  so  if  their  services  be 
required. 

"  15.  For  the  more  perfect  execution  of  this  agreement,  two  com 
missioners  shall  be  appointed,  one  by  each  party,  who  in  case  of 
disagreement  shall  appoint  a  third. 

"  16.  This  convention  shall  have  no  force  or  effect  unless  approved 
by  their  Excellencies,  the  commanders  respectively  of  the  two 
armies,  within  twenty-four  hours,  reckoning  from  the  6th  hour  of 
the  23d  day  of  August,  1847." 

These  articles  were  signed  by  Generals  duitman,  P.  F.  Smith, 
5 


50  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

and  Franklin  Pierce,  on  the  part  of  the  Americans ;  and  Ignacio  de 
Maria  y  Villamil  and  Benito  Gluijano  on  that  of  the  Mexicans.  After 
wards  the  following  notes  were  appended  : — 

"  Considered,  approved,  and  ratified,  with  the  express  understand' 
ing  that  the  word  '  supplies?  as  used  the  second  time,  without  quali 
fication  in  the  seventh  article  of  this  military  convention — American 
copy — shall  be  taken  to  mean  (as  in  both  the  British  and  American 
armies)  arms,  munitions,  clothing,  equipments,  subsistence  (for  men,) 
forage,  and  in  general,  all  the  wants  of  an  army.  That  word  '  sup 
plies'  in  the  Mexican  copy,  is  erroneously  translated  '  viveres'  instead 
of  *  recursos.' " 

This  was  signed  by  General  Scott.  Santa  Anna  replied  as  fol 
lows  : — 

"  Ratified,  suppressing  the  ninth  article,  and  explaining  the  fourth, 
to  the  effect  that  the  temporary  peace  of  this  armistice  shall  be 
observed  in  the  capital,  and  twenty-eight  leagues  around  it ;  and 
agreeing  that  the  word  supplies  shall  be  translated  recursos ;  and 
that  it  comprehends  every  thing  which  the  army  may  need,  ex 
cept  arms  and  ammunitions." 

This  qualification  was  accepted  and  ratified  by  the  American 
general. 

Hopes  were  now  entertained  by  General  Scott  and  the  friends  of 
peace  in  both  nations,  that  the  long-protracted  struggle  was  about  to 
be  amicably  adjusted.  These,  however,  were  disappointed.  Mr. 
Trist,  the  American  envoy,  demanded  the  cession  of  California  and 
the  territory  between  the  Nueces  and  Rio  Grande  rivers,  while  the 
Mexicans  refused  to  yield  any  portion  of  Texas.  The  negotiations 
accordingly  closed. 

On  the  6th  of  September,  General  Scott  accused  Santa  Anna  of 
violating  the  armistice,  by  constructing  fortifications  within  the  capi 
tal.  The  Mexican  general  replied  by  laying  a  similar  charge  to  the 
Americans,  and  affirming  his  willingness  to  recommence  hostilities 
immediately.  The  subsequent  operations  are  given  in  General 
Scott's  report,  which  we  annex,  omitting  the  details  of  General 
Worth's  operations,  which  have  already  been  given. 

"Negotiations  were  actively  continued  with,  as  was  understood 
some  prospect  of  a  successful  result  up  to  the  2d  instant,  when  our 
commissioner  handed  in  his  ultimatum  (on  boundaries),  and  the  ne 
gotiators  adjourned  to  meet  again  on  the  6th. 


INFRACTIONS   OF   THE   TRUCE.  51 

"  Some  infractions  of  the  truce,  in  respect  to  our  supplies  from 
the  city,  were  earlier  committed,  followed  by  apologies,  on  the  part 
of  the  enemy.  Those  vexations  I  was  willing  to  put  down  to  the 
imbecility  of  the  government,  and  waived  pointed  demands  of  repa 
ration  while  any  hope  remained  of  a  satisfactory  termination  of  the 
war.  But  on  the  5th,  and  more  fully  on  the  6th,  I  learned  that  as 
soon  as  tjie  ultimatum  had  been  considered  in  a  grand  council  of 
ministers  and  others,  President  Santa  Anna,  on  the  4th  or  5th,  with 
out  giving  me  the  slightest  notice,  actively  recommenced  strengthen 
ing  the  military  defences  of  the  city,  in  gross  violation  of  the  3d 
article  of  the  armistice. 

"  On  that  information,  which  has  since  received  the  fullest  verifi 
cation,  I  addressed  to  him  my  note  of  the  6th.  His  reply,  dated  the 
same  day,  received  the  next  morning,  was  absolutely  and  notoriously 
false,  both  in  recrimination  and  explanation.  * 

"  Being  delayed  by  the  terms  of  the  armistice  more  than  two 
weeks,  we  had  now,  late  on  the  7th,  to  begin  to  reconnoitre  the  dif 
ferent  approaches  to  the  city,  within  our  reach,  before  I  could  lay 
down  any  definitive  plan  of  attack. 

"  The  same  afternoon,  a  large  body  of  the  enemy  was  discovered 
hovering  about  the  Molinos  del  Rey,  within  a  mile  and  a  third  of 
this  village,  (Tacubaya,)  where  I  am  quartered  with  the  general 
staff  and  Worth's  division. 

"  It  might  have  been  supposed  that  an  attack  upon  us  was  in 
tended  ;  but  knowing  the  great  value  to  the  enemy  of  those  mills, 
(Molinos  del  Rey,)  containing  a  cannon-foundry,  with  a  large  depo 
sit  of  powder  in  Casa  Mata  near  them  ;  and  having  heard,  two  days 
before,  that  many  church-bells  had  been  sent  out  to  be  cast  into  guns 
— the  enemy's  movement  was  easily  understood,  and  I  resolved  at 
once  to  drive  him  early  the  next  morning,  to  seize  the  powder,  and 
to  destroy  the  foundry. 

"Another  motive  for  this  decision  —  leaving  the  general  plan  of 
attack  upon  the  city  for  full  reconnoissances — was,  that  we  knew  our 
recent  captures  had  left  the  enemy  not  a  fourth  of  the  guns  neces 
sary  to  arm,  all  at  the  same  time,  the  strong  \vorks  of  each  of  the 
eight  city  gates ;  and  we  could  not  cut  the  communication  between 
the  foundry  and  the  capital  without  first  taking  the  formidable  castle 
on  the  heights  of  Chapultepec,  which  overlooked  both  and  stood  be 
tween. 


52  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

"For  this  difficult  operation  we  were  not  entirely  ready,  and 
moreover  we  might  altogether  neglect  the  castle,  if,  as  we  then 
hoped,  our  reconnoissances  should  prove  that  the  distant  southern 
approaches  to  the  city  were  more  eligible  than  this  south-western 
approach. 

"  Hence  the  decision  promptly  taken,  the  execution  of  which  was 
assigned  to  Brevet  Major-General  Worth,  whose  division  was  rein 
forced  with  Cadwalader's  brigade  of  Pillow's  division,  three  squad 
rons  of  dragoons  under  Major  Sumner,  and  some  heavy  guns  of  the 
siege  train  under  Captain  Huger  of  the  ordnance,  and  Captain  Drum 

of  the  4th  artillery — two  officers  of  the  highest  merit. 

******** 

"  The  enemy  having  several  times  reinforced  his  line,  and  the  ac 
tion  soon  becoming  much  more  general  than  I  had  expected,  I  called 
up,  from  the  distance  of  three  miles,  first  Major-General  Pillow,  with 
his  remaining  brigade,  (Pierce's,)  and  next  Riley's  brigade,  of 
Twiggs'  division  —  leaving  his  other  brigade  (Smith's)  in  observa 
tion  at  San  Angel.  Those  corps  approached  with  zeal  and  rapidity; 
but  the  battle  was  won  just  as  Brigadier-General  Pierce  reached  the 
ground,  and  had  interposed  his  corps  between  Garland's  brigade 
(Worth's  division)  and  the  retreating  enemy." 

Like  General  Taylor,  after  the  capture  of  Monterey,  the  com- 
mander-in-chief  was  destined  to  experience  considerable  opposition, 
respecting  his  offer  of  the  armistice.  In  reference  to  this  opposition, 
the  New  Orleans  Delta  has  the  following  pertinent  remarks : — 

"  The  sophist  who  lectured  Hannibal  on  the  art  of  war  doubtless 
considered  himself  a  supremely  wise  man,  and  the  conqueror  of 
Scipio  but  an  indifferent  general.  The  race  to  which  he  belonged 
has  not  passed  away,  but  flourishes  in  these  latter  days  in  all  the 
vigour  and  bloom  of  its  youth.  The  present  war  has  furnished 
ample  employment  to  these  military  philosophers,  and  has  enabled 
them  at  the  same  time  to  display  the  extent  of  their  knowledge  and 
bless  mankind  with  a  sun-flood  of  information.  Among  the  subjects 
to  which  they  have  recently  directed  their  powerful  intellects,  and 
upon  which  they  have  expended  columns  of  acute  disquisition  and 
pathetic  declamation,  none  has  afforded  a  fairer  field  for  their  pecu 
liar  powers  than  the  armistice  granted  by  General  Scott  after  the 
battles  of  Contreros  and  Churubusco.  It  is  needless  to  say  that  in 
the  opinion  of  these  sages  the  general  was  totally  in  the  wrong ;  his 


OPINIONS   RESPECTING   THE   ARMISTICE.  53 

conduct  was  not  only  foolish,  but,  in  view  of  the  consequences  which 
they  ascribe  to  it,  criminal.  To  him  they  impute  the  delay  in  cap 
turing  the  city,  the  failure  of  the  negotiations,  and  the  subsequent 
loss  of  life  in  the  combats  that  ensued  from  the  8th  to  the  14th  of 
September.  Bowing,  as  we  do,  with  becoming  deference  to  opi 
nions  so  carefully  formed,  and  so  fearlessly  promulgated,  we  yet  beg 
leave  to  suggest,  that  before  General  Scott  is  finally  condemned,  it 
would  be  as  well  to  wait  for  further  information  ;  and,  before  he  is 
even  arraigned  at  the  bar  of  public  opinion  for  an  alleged  offence, 
it  would  be  no  more  than  fair  to  examine  closely  the  information 
which  we  already  possess. 

"  In  the  advance  upon  Mexico,  the  *  first  line  of  defence'  of  the 
city,  consisting  of  the  strong  posts  of  El  Penon  and  Mexicalcingo, 
was  avoided  by  a  detour  to  the  left,  around  the  head  of  Lake  Chalco. 
This  movement  began  on  the  15th  of  August,  and.  owing  to  the 
broken  nature  of  the  country  and  the  necessity  of  cutting  a  road  for 
many  miles,  it  was  a  work  of  great  toil  and  hardship.  It  was,  how 
ever,  accomplished  in  two  days,  and  on  the  18th  our  troops  were  in 
a  position  to  act  against  Contreros  and  Churubusco,  forming  with 
the  secondary  works  in  their  neighbourhood  'the  second  line  of  de 
fence.'  On  the  19th,  the  movement  was  made  against  Contreros. 
Of  the  prolonged  and  difficult  operations  of  that  day,  through  dense 
chapparal,  along  rocky  and  precipitous  paths,  and  amid  constant 
combat  and  peril,  it  is  not  necessary  to  speak,  for  all  will  recollect 
the  truthful  descriptions  which  we  have  already  published.  To  this 
day  of  toil  and  danger  succeeded  one  of  the  most  dismal  nights  ex 
perienced  in  that  climate.  The  storm  is  described  as  terrific.  The 
soldiers  might  perchance  have  snatched  a  morsel  of  food,  but  a  mo 
ment's  sleep  was  impossible.  Under  these  circumstances,  Contreros 
was  captured  and  Valencia's  force  dispersed  early  in  the  morning, 
and  the  battle  of  Churubusco  closed,  and  the  second  line  of  defence 
was  carried  after  the  most  desperate  and  bloody  engagement  of  the 
war  at  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  Now  the  first  question  that 
arises  is,  could  General  Scott  have  entered  Mexico  on  the  night  of 
the  20th  ?  His  soldiers  had  been  watching,  marching,  fasting,  and 
fighting  for  more  than  thirty-six  hours;  over  a  thousand  of  his 
small  force  were  killed  or  disabled,  and  the  heights  of  Chapultepec 
and  the  line  of  the  garitas  were  still  before  him,  capable,  as  was 
afterwards  shown,  of  making  a  strong  defence.  How  easy  soever 
5* 


54  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD    SCOTT. 

the  achievement  may  seem  to  an  editor  in  his  closet,  we  apprehend 
that  it  was  a  labour  not  to  be  undertaken  by  a  general  in  the  field. 
The  Mexican  army  which  defended  Churubusco,  though  defeated, 
was  not  destroyed  ;  it  retreated  towards  the  third  and  strongest  line 
of  defence,  and  was,  or  could  easily  have  been,  rallied  behind  its 
batteries.  For  General  Scott  to  have  attempted  to  enter  Mexico  on 
the  night  of  the  20th  of  August,  it  appears  to  us  would  have  been 
an  act  of  desperation  which  nothing  could  have  justified  but  the  ex 
ceedingly  improbable  result  of  success.  Had  he  undertaken  it  and 
failed,  the  warriors  of  the  quill  would  have  been  the  first  to  discover 
and  expose  the  madness  of  the  act.  They  would  have  inquired 
why  he  could  not  have  waited  until  morning ;  why,  with  half-fam 
ished  and  exhausted  troops,  with  the  wounded  calling  for  assistance, 
the  dead  unburied,  and  the  living  scarce  able  to  drag  one  leg  after 
the  other,  he  had  marched  against  strong  works  and  a  densely  popu 
lated  city,  when  one  night's  rest  would  have  quadrupled  the  effi 
ciency  of  his  force  ?  And  the  voice  of  censure  would  have  been 
as  general  as  it  would  probably  have  been  deserved. 

"  The  conclusion  has  thus  been  forced  upon  us,  that  General 
Scott  was  obliged  to  pause  for  breath  after  the  continued  operations 
of  the  19th  and  20th,  which  terminated  in  the  terrible  slaughter  of 
Churubusco. 

"But  that  same  evening  he  received  a  flag  of  truce  from  the 
enemy,  asking  for  an  armistice  and  proposing  peace.  Representa 
tions  were  at  the  same  time  made  to  him  by  those  connected  with 
the  British  Embassy,  that  there  was  every  probability  that  negotia 
tions  would  terminate  favourably  and  honourably  to  all  parties.  The 
American  commander  was  placed  in  a  position  of  great  delicacy 
and  responsibility.  It  was  his  ardent  desire  to  terminate  the  war, 
spare  the  lives  of  his  soldiers,  and  avoid  the  infliction  of  unneces 
sary  injury,  even  upon  the  foe.  He  had  good  reason  to  believe  that 
by  granting  the  armistice  all  these  objects  would  be  attained  ;  and 
he  did  grant  it,  making  it  terminable  in  forty-eight  hours.  What 
would  have  been  said  of  him  had  he  refused  ?  He  must,  in  that 
case,  either  have  taken  the  city  or  failed  in  the  attempt.  If  the 
former,  we  would  have  been  precisely  in  the  condition  in  which  we 
are  at  present,  and  General  Scott  would  have  been  accused  of  sac 
rificing  the  lives  of  his  countrymen,  and  unnecessarily  prolonging 
the  war,  to  promote  his  own  ambitious  aims,  and  gratify  the  perni- 


MERITS    OF   THE    NEGOTIATIONS.  55 

clous  vanity  of  claiming  the  conqueror's  rank  with  Cortez.  Not 
one  in  fifty  of  those  who  have  now  discovered  that  all  negotiation 
with  Mexico  was  an  idle  farce,  but  would  have  been  certain  that, 
had  the  Mexican  proposition  been  entertained,  we  should  have  had 
an  honourable  and  permanent  peace.  But  in  the  hazards  of  war 
General  Scott  might  have  been  repulsed  on  the  morning  of  the  21st, 
and  then  imagination  can  scarcely  depict  the  execrations  which 
would  have  been  poured  upon  his  head.  Whatever  he  might  have 
done,  it  will  thus  be  seen,  he  would  have  exposed  himself  to  ani 
madversion  and  misconstruction ;  to  the  idle  comments  of  the  un 
thinking,  and  the  malicious  remarks  of  the  envious.  For  our  own 
part,  we  are  willing  to  believe  that  General  Scott  acted  as  every 
hero  and  patriot  would  have  done,  placed  in  his  position,  and  bur 
dened  with  his  responsibilities ;  at  any  rate,  we  must  see  something 
stronger  than  has  yet  appeared  against  him,  to  suspect  that  he  acted 
with  want  of  judgment  or  want  of  zeal." 

The  following  remarks  upon  the  merits  of  the  negotiations,  and 
their  final  result,  will  also  be  read  with  interest : — 

"  The  abortive  negotiations  which  preceded  the  renewal  of  the 
war,  are  in  a  high  degree  instructive,  as  indicating  more  conclusively 
than  any  other  evidence  could  do,  the  intentions  and  confidence  of 
the  respective  parties.  On  the  side  of  the  United  States  it  was 
proposed  that  the  boundary-line  of  the  two  republics  should  run  up  the 
middle  of  the  Rio  Grande,  strike  off  westward  on  reaching  the  limits  of 
New  Mexico,  take  the  course  of  the  Gila  and  the  lower  Colorado,  and 
•so  through  the  mouth  of  the  latter  river  down  the  middle  of  the  Gali- 
fornian  Gulf,  into  the  Pacific.  In  other  words,  this  would  bring  the 
south-western  boundary-line  of  the  United  States  about  ten  degrees 
further  south,  would  deprive  Mexico  of  all  Upper  and  Lower  Cali 
fornia,  as  well  as  of  the  districts  on  the  Rio  Grande,  and  would 
leave  her  with  the  Gila  for  her  northern  boundary,  but  just  above 
the  present  frontier  of  Sonora,  which  marks  her  settled  territories. 
Enormous  as  was  this  claim,  it  was  not  the  point  upon  which  the 
negotiations  broke  off,  for  the  Americans  phrased  their  requirements 
considerately,  and  offered  a  liberal  price  for  the  cession  they  desired. 
Santa  Anna,  it  is  true,  was  for  reserving  a  certain  portion  of  Cali 
fornia,  for  Mexican  expansion,  and  he  suggested  the  37th  in  place 
of  the  32d  parallel,  as  the  boundary  of  the  two  countries.  Yet  it 
is  hardly  disguised  that  on  the  point  of  cession  and  sale  in  this 

Q 


56  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

quarter,  the  Mexican  commissioners  were  amenable  to  the  reasons 
which  Mr.  Polk  brought,  by  millions,  against  them,  and  the  tranfer 
might  have  been  completed  but  for  a  comparatively  insignificant 
slice  of  debateable  land.  The  old  Texan  boundary-line  was  again 
brought  under  discussion,  the  one  party  insisting  on  the  Rio  Grande, 
and  the  other,  as  in  honour  bound,  upon  the  Nueces ;  and  this  little 
difference  proved  incapable  of  adjustment  between  parties  who  had 
just  been  judiciously  chaffering  about  ten  degrees  of  territory  !  It 
is  thus  clear,  that  from  the  great  object  which  has  been  so  unhap 
pily  sought  by  a  war,  the  Americans  are  now  only  separated  by  an 
obstacle  which  that  very  war  has  raised.  We  have  before  expressed 
our  persuasion  that,  looking  at  the  natural  destinies  and  necessities 
of  men  and  states,  the  vast  province  of  New  California  would 
much  more  reasonably  fall  to  the  lot  of  an  expansive  and  enter 
prising  people,  who  might  reclaim  its  wastes  and  colonize  its 
shores,  than  remain  the  nominal  and  desolate  appanage  of  a  sta 
tionary  or  retrogading  race,  which  could  never  have  either  the 
motives  or  the  means  to  improve  its  advantages  for  commerce,  or 
explore  the  resources  of  its  soil." 

At  the  risk  of  some  subsequent  repetition  we  insert  the  admirable 
report  of  General  Scott,  concerning  his  operations  after  the  battle  of 
Molino  del  Rey.  Its  details  are  more  circumstantial  and  satisfactory 
than  any  account  that  has  yet  appeared : — 

'*  At  the  end  of  another  series  of  arduous  and  brilliant  operations, 
of  more  than  forty-eight  hours'  continuance,  this  glorious  army 
hoisted,  on  the  morning  of  the  14th,  the  colours  of  the  United  States 
on  the  walls  of  this  palace. 

"  The  victory  of  the  8th,  at  the  Molinos  del  Rey,  was  followed  by 
daring  reconnoissances  on  the  part  of  our  distinguished  engineers — 
Captain  Lee,  Lieutenants  Beauregard,  Stevens,  and  Tower — Major 
Smith,  senior,  being  sick,  and  Captain  Mason,  third  in  rank,  wound 
ed.  Their  operations  were  directed  principally  to  the  south  —  to 
wards  the  gates  of  the  Piedad,  San  Angel,  (Nino  Perdido,)  San 
Antonio,  and  the  Paseo  de  la  Viga. 

"This  city  stands  on  a  slight  swell  of  ground,  near  the  centre  of 
an  irregular  basin,  and  is  girdled  with  a  ditch  in  its  greater  extent — 
a  navigable  canal  of  great  breadth  and  depth — very  difficult  to  bridge 
in  the  presence  of  an  enemy,  and  serving  at  once  for  drainage,  cus 
tom-house  purposes,  and  military  defence  ;  leaving  eight  entrances 


PREPARATIONS  FOR  THE  ATTACK.        57 

or  gates,  over  arches  —  each  of  which  we  found  defended  by  a  sys 
tem  of  strong  works,  that  seemed  to  require  nothing  but  some  men 
and  guns  to  be  impregnable. 

"  Outside  and  within  the  cross-fires  of  those  gates,  we  found  to 
the  south  other  obstacles  but  little  less  formidable.  All  the  approaches 
near  the  city  are  over  elevated  causeways,  cut  in  many  places  (to 
oppose  us)  and  flanked,  on  both  sides,  by  ditches,  also  of  unusual 
dimensions*  The  numerous  cross-roads  are  flanked,  in  like  manner, 
having  bridges  at  the  intersections,  recently  broken.  The  meadows 
thus  checkered,  are,  moreover,  in  many  spots,  under  water  or 
marshy ;  for,  it  will  be  remembered,  we  were  in  the  midst  of  the 
wet  season,  though  with  less  rain  than  usual,  and  we  could  not  wait 
for  the  fall  of  the  neighbouring  lakes  and  the  consequent  drainage 
of  the  wet  grounds  at  the  edge  of  the  city — the  lowest  in  the  whole 
basin. 

"  After  a  close  personal  survey  of  the  southern  gates,  covered  by 
Pillow's  division  and  Riley's  brigade  of  Twiggs'  —  with  four  times 
our  numbers  concentrated  in  our  immediate  front — I  determined,  on 
the  llth,  to  avoid  that  net-work  of  obstacles,  and  to  seek,  by  a  sudden 
inversion,  to  the  south-west  and  west,  less  unfavourable  approaches. 

"  To  economize  the  lives  of  our  gallant  officers  and  men,  as  well 
as  to  insure  success,  it  became  indispensable  that  this  resolution 
should  be  long  masked  from  the  enemy ;  and,  again,  that  the  new 
movement,  when  discovered,  should  be  mistaken  for  a  feint,  and  the 
old  as  indicating  our  true  and  ultimate  point  of  attack. 

"  Accordingly,  on  the  spot,  the  llth,  I  ordered  Gluitman's  division 
from  Coyoacan,  to  join  Pillow  by  daylight,  before  the  southern  gates, 
and  then  that  the  two  major-generals,  with  their  divisions,  should, 
by  night,  proceed  (two  miles)  to  join  me  at  Tacubaya,  where  I  was 
quartered  with  Worth's  division.  Twiggs,  with  Riley's  brigade, 
and  Captains  Taylor's  and  Steptoe's  field-batteries  —  the  latter  of 
twelve-pounders  —  was  left  in  front  of  those  gates,  to  manoeuvre,  to 
threaten,  or  to  make  false  attacks,  in  order  to  occupy  and  deceive 
the  enemy.  Twiggs'  other  brigade  (Smith's)  was  left  at  supporting 
distance,  in  the  rear,  at  San  Angel,  till  the  morning  of  the  13th,  and 
also  to  support  our  general  depot  at  Miscoac.  The  stratagem  against 
the  south  was  admirably  executed  throughout  the  12th  and  down  to 
the  afternoon  of  the  13th,  when  it  was  too  late  for  the  enemy  to  re 
cover  from  the  effects  of  his  delusion. 


58  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD    SCOTT. 

"  The  first  step  in  the  new  movement  was  to  carry  Chapultepec, 
a  natural  and  isolated  mound  of  great  elevation,  strongly  fortified  at 
its  base,  on  its  acclivities  and  heights.  Besides  a  numerous  garrison, 
there  was  the  military  college  of  the  republic,  with  a  large  number 
of  sub-lieutenants  and  other  students.  Those  works  were  within 
direct  gun-shot  of  the  village  of  Tacubaya ;  and,  until  carried,  we 
could  not  approach  the  city  on-  the  west,  without  making  a  circuit 
too  wide  and  too  hazardous. 

"In  the  course  of  the  same  night,  (that  of  the  llth,)  heavy  bat 
teries,  within  easy  ranges,  were  established.  No.  1,  on  our  right, 
under  the  command  of  Captain  Drum,  4th  artillery,  (relieved  late 
next  day,  for  some  hours,  by  Lieutenant  Andrews  of  the  3d,)  and 
No.  2,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Hagner,  ordnance — both  support 
ed  by  Gluitman's  division.  Nos,  3  and  4,  on  the  opposite  side,  sup 
ported  by  Pillow's  division,  were  commanded,  the  former  by  Captain 
Brooks  and  Lieutenant  S.  S.  Anderson,  2d  artillery,  alternately,  and 
the  latter  by  Lieutenant  Stone,  ordnance.  The  batteries  were  traced 
by  Captain  Huger  and  Captain  Lee,  engineers,  and  constructed  by 
them,  with  the  able  assistance  of  the  young  officers  of  those  corps 
and  the  artillery. 

"  To  prepare  for  an  assault,  it  was  foreseen  that  the  play  of  the 
batteries  might  run  into  the  second  day ;  but  recent  captures  had 
not  only  trebled  our  siege  pieces,  but  also  our  ammunition  ;  and  we 
knew  that  we  should  greatly  augment  both,  by  carrying  the  place. 
I  was,  therefore,  in  no  haste  in  ordering  an  assault  before  the  works 
were  well  crippled  by  our  missiles. 

"  The  bombardment  and  cannonade,  under  the  direction  of  Cap 
tain  Huger,  were  commenced  early  in  the  morning  of  the  12th. 
Before  nightfall,  which  necessarily  stopped  our  batteries,  we  had 
perceived  that  a  good  impression  had  been  made  on  the  castle  and 
its  outworks,  and  that  a  large  body  of  the  enemy  had  remained  out 
side,  towards  the  city,  from  an  early  hour,  to  avoid  our  fire,  and  to 
be  at  hand  on  its  cessation,  in  order  to  reip/orce  the  garrison  against 
an  assault.  The  same  outside  force  was  discovered  the  next  morn 
ing,  after  our  batteries  had  re-opened  upon  the  castle,  by  which  we 
again  reduced  its  garrison  to  the  minimum  needed  for  the  guns. 

"  Pillow  and  Gluitman  had  been  in  position  since  early  in  the 
night  of  the  llth.  Major-Oeneral  Worth  was  now  ordered  to  hold 
his  division  in  reserve,  near  the  foundry,  to  support  Pillow ;  and 


STORMING    OF   CHAPULTEPEC.  59 

Brigadier-General  Smith,  of  Twiggs'  division,  had  just  arrived  with 
his  brigade  from  Piedad,  (two  miles,)  to  support  Quitman.  Twiggs' 
guns,  before  the  southern  gates,  again  reminded  us,  as  the  day  be 
fore,  that  he,  with  Riley's  brigade  and  Taylor's  and  Steptoe's  bat 
teries,  was  in  activity,  threatening  the  southern  gates,  and  there 
holding  a  great  part  of  the  Mexican  army  on  the  defensive. 

"  Worth's  division  furnished  Pillow's  attack  with  an  assaulting 
party  of  some  two  hundred  and  fifty  volunteer  officers  and  men, 
under  Captain  McKenzie,  of  the  2d  artillery ;  and  Twiggs'  division 
supplied  a  similar  one,  commanded  by  Captain  Casey,  2d  infantry, 
to  Quitman.  Each  of  those  little  columns  was  furnished  with  scal 
ing  ladders. 

"  The  signal  I  had  appointed  for  the  attack  was  the  momentary 
cessation  of  fire  on  the  part  of  our  heavy  batteries.  About  eight 
o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  13th,  judging  that  the  time  had  ar 
rived,  by  the  effect  of  the  missiles  we  had  thrown,  I  sent  an  aid-de 
camp  to  Pillow,  and  another  to  duitman,  with  notice  that  the  con 
certed  signal  was  about  to  be  given.  Both  columns  now  advanced 
with  an  alacrity  that  gave  assurance  of  prompt  success.  The  bat 
teries,  seizing  opportunities,  threw  shot  and  shells  upon  the  enemy 
over  the  heads  of  our  men,  with  good  effect,  particularly  at  every 
attempt  to  reinforce  the  works  from  without  to  meet  our  assault. 

"Major-General  Pillow's  approach  on  the  west  side  lay  through 
an  open  grove,  filled  with  sharp-shooters,  who  were  speedily  dis 
lodged  ;  when,  being  up  with  the  front  of  the  attack,  and  emerging 
into  open  space,  at  the  foot  of  a  rocky  acclivity,  that  gallant  leader 
was  struck  down  by  an  agonizing  wound.  The  immediate  com 
mand  devolved  on  Brigadier-General  Cadwalader,  in  the  absence 
of  the  senior  brigadier  (Pierce)  of  the  same  division  —  an  invalid 
since  the  events  of  August  19th.  On  a  previous  call  of  Pillow, 
Worth  had  just  sent  him  a  reinforcement — Colonel  Clarke's  brigade. 

"  The  broken  acclivity  was  still  to  be  ascended,  and  a  strong  re 
doubt,  midway,  to  be  carried  before  reaching  the  castle  ,on  the 
heights.  The  advance  of  our  brave  men,  led  by  brave  officers, 
though  necessarily  slow,  was  unwavering,  over  rocks,  chasms,  and 
mines,  and  under  the  hottest  fire  of  cannon  and  musketry.  The 
redoubt  now  yielded  to  resistless  valour,  and  the  shouts  that  followed 
announced  to  the  castle  the  fate  that  impended.  The  enemy  were 
steadily  driven  from  shelter  to  shelter.  The  retreat  allowed  not 


60  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD    SCOTT. 

time  to  fire  a  single  mine,  without  the  certainty  of  blowing  up  friend 
and  foe.  Those  who  at  a  distance  attempted  to  apply  matches  to 
the  long  trains,'were  shot  down  by  our  men.  There  was  death  be 
low  as  well  as  above  ground.  At  length  the  ditch  and  wall  of  the 
main  work  were  reached ;  the  scaling  ladders  were  brought  up  and 
planted  by  the  storming  parties ;  some  of  the  daring  spirits  first  in 
the  assault  were  cast  down  —  killed  or  wounded;  but  a  lodgment 
was  soon  made ;  streams  of  heroes  followed ;  all  opposition  was 
overcome,  and  several  of  our  regimental  colours  flung  out  from  the 
upper  walls,  amidst  long-continued  shouts  and  cheers,  which  sent 
dismay  into  the  capital.  No  scene  could  have  been  more  animating 
or  glorious. 

"  Major-General  Quitman,  nobly  supported  by  Brigadier-Gene 
rals  Shields  and  Smith,  [P.  F.]  his  other  officers  and  men,  was  up 
with  the  part  assigned  him.  Simultaneously  with  the  movement  on 
the  west,  he  had  gallantly  approached  the  south-east  of  the  same 
works  over  a  causeway  with  cuts  and  batteries,  and  defended  by  an 
army  strongly  posted  outside,  to  the  east  of  the  works.  Those  for 
midable  obstacles  duitman  had  to  face,  with  but  little  shelter  for  his 
troops  or  space  for  manoeuvring.  Deep  ditches,  flanking  the  cause 
way,  made  it  difficult  to  cross  on  either  side  into  the  adjoining  mea 
dows,  and  these  again  were  intersected  by  other  ditches.  Smith 
and  his  brigade  had  been  early  thrown  out  to  make  a  sweep  to  the 
right,  in  order  to  present  a  front  against  the  enemy's  line,  (outside,) 
and  to  turn  two  intervening  batteries,  near  the  foot  of  Chapultepec. 
This  movement  was  also  intended  to  support  Q,uitman's  storming 
parties,  both  on  the  causeway.  The  first  of  these,  furnished  by 
Twiggs'  division,  was  commanded  in  succession  by  Captain  Casey, 
2d  infantry,  and  Captain  Paul,  7th  infantry,  after  Casey  had  been 
severely  wounded ;  and  the  second,  originally  under  the  gallant 
Major  Twiggs,  marine  corps,  killed,  and  then  Captain  Miller,  2d 
Pennsylvania  volunteers.  The  storming  party,  now  commanded 
by  Captain  Paul,  seconded  by  Captain  Roberts  of  the  rifles,  Lieu 
tenant  Stewart,  and  others  of  the  same  regiment,  Smith's  brigade, 
carried  the  two  batteries  in  the  road,  took  some  guns,  with  many 
prisoners,  and  drove  the  enemy  posted  behind  in  support.  The 
New  York  and  the  South  Carolina  volunteers,  (Shields'  brigade,) 
and  the  3d  Pennsylvania  volunteers,  all  on  the  left  of  duitman's 
line,  together  with  portions  of  his  storming  parties,  crossed  the  mea- 


OFFICERS    AND    CORPS    DISTINGUISHED.  61 

dovvs  in  front,  under  a  heavy  fire,  and  entered  the  outer  enclosure 
of  Chapultepec  just  in  time  to  join  in  the  final  assault  from  the 
west. 

"  Besides  Major-Generals  Pillow  and  Gluitman,  Brigadier-Gene 
rals  Shields,  Smith  and  Cadwalader,  the  following  are  the  officers 
and  corps  most  distinguished  in  those  brilliant  operations :  The  vol- 
tigeur  regiment,  in  two  detachments,  commanded  respectively,  by 
Colonel  Andrews  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Johnstone  —  the  latter 
mostly  in  the  lead,  accompanied  by  Major  Caldwell,  Captains  Bar 
nard  and  Biddle,  of  the  same  regiment — the  former  the  first  to  plant 
a  regimental  colour,  and  the  latter  among  the  first  in  the  assault ;  — 
the  storming  party  of  Worth's  division,  under  Captafti  McKenzie, 
2d  artillery,  with  Lieutenant  Seldon,  8th  infantry,  early  on  the  lad 
der  and  badly  wounded ;  Lieutenant  Armistead,  6th  infantry,  the 
first  to  leap  into  the  ditch  to  plant  a  ladder ;  Lieutenants  Rodgers 
of  the  4th,  and  J.  P.  Smith  of  the  5th  infantry  —  both  mortally 
wounded — the  9th  infantry,  under  Colonel  Ransom,  who  was  killed 
while  gallantly  leading  that  regiment;  the  15th  infantry  under 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Howard  and  Major  Woods,  with  Captain  Chase, 
whose  company  gallantly  carried  the  redoubt,  midway  up  the  ac 
clivity  ;  Colonel  Clarke's  brigade,  (Worth's  division,)  consisting  of 
the  5th,  8th,  and  part  of  the  6th  regiments  of  infantry,  commanded 
respectively  by  Captain  Chapman,  Major  Montgomery,  and  Lieu 
tenant  Edward  Johnson — the  latter  specially  noticed,  with  Lieuten 
ants  Longstreet,  (badly  wounded  —  advancing  —  colours  in  hand,) 
Picket,  and  Merchant — the  last  three  of  the  8th  infantry ;  portions 
of  the  United  States'  marines,  New  York,  South  Carolina,  and  2d 
Pennsylvania  volunteers,  which,  delayed  with  their  division  (Quit- 
man's)  by  the  hot  engagement  below,  arrived  just  in  time  to  parti 
cipate  in  the  assault  of  the  heights — particularly  a  detachment  under 
Lieutenant  Reid,  New  York  volunteers,  consisting  of  a  company  of 
the  same,  with  one  of  marines ;  and  another  detachment,  a  portion 
of  the  storming  party,  (Tvviggs'  division,  serving  with  Quitman,)' 
under  Lieutenant  Steel,  2d  infantry — after  the  fall  of  Lieutenant 
Gantt,  7th  infantry. 

"  In  this  connection,  it  is  but  just  to  recall  the  decisive  effect  of  the 
heavy  batteries,  Nos.  1,  2,  3,  and  4,  commanded  by  those  excellent 
officers — Captain  Drum,  4th  artillery,  assisted  by  Lieutenants  Ben 
jamin  and  Porter  of  his  own  company ;  Captain  Brooks  and  Lieu- 
6  Q» 


62  MAJOR-GENERAL   W1NFIELD    SCOTT. 

tenant  Anderson,  2d  artillery,  assisted  by  Lieutenant  Russell,  4th 
infantry,  a  volunteer;  Lieutenants  Hagner  and  Stone,  of  the  ord 
nance,  and  Lieutenant  Andrews,  3d  artillery — the  whole  superin 
tended  by  Captain  Huger,  chief  of  ordnance  with  this  army  —  an 
officer  distinguished  by  every  kind  of  merit.  The  mountain  howitzer 
battery  under  Lieutenant  Reno,  of  the  ordnance,  deserves  also  to 
be  particularly  mentioned.  Attached  to  the  voltigeurs,  it  followed 
the  movements  of  that  regiment,  and  again  won  applause. 

"  In  adding  to  the  list  of  individuals  of  conspicuous  merit,  I  must 
limit  myself  to  a  few  of  the  many  names  which  might  be  enume 
rated:  Captain  Hooker,  assistant  adjutant-general,  who  won  special 
applause,  successively,  in  the  staff  of  Pillow  and  Cadwalader ;  Lieu 
tenant  Lovell,  4th  artillery,  (wounded,)  chief  of  Gluitman's  staff; 
Captain  Page,  assistant  adjutant-general,  (wounded,)  and  Lieuten 
ant  Hammond,  3d  artillery,  both  of  Shields'  staff,  and  Lieutenant 
Van  Dorn,  (7th  infantry,)  aid-de-camp  to  Brigadier-General  Smith. 

"Those  operations  all  occurred  on  the  west,  south-east,  and 
heights  of  Chapultepec.  To  the  north,  and  at  the  base  of  the 
mound,  inaccessible  on  that  side,  the  llth  infantry,  under  Lieuten 
ant  Colonel  Herbert,  the  14th  under  Colonel  Trousdale,  and  Captain 
Magruder's  field  battery,  1st  artillery— one  section  advanced  under 
Lieutenant  Jackson — all  of  Pillow's  division — -had,  at  the  same  time, 
some  spirited  affairs  against  superior  numbers,  driving  the  enemy 
from  a  battery  on  the  road,  and  capturing  a  gun.  In  these,  the 
officers  and  corps  named  gained  merited  praise.  Colonel  Trousdale, 
the  commander,  though  twice  wounded,  continued  on  duty  until  the 
heights  were  carried. 

"  Early  on  the  morning  of  the  13th,  I  repeated  the  orders  of  the 
night  before  to  Major-General  Worth,  to  be,  with  his  division,  at 
hand,  to  support  the  movement  of  Major-General  Pillow  from  our 
left.  The  latter  seems  soon  to  have  called  for  that  entire  division, 
standing,  momentarily,  in  reserve,  and  Worth  sent  him  Colonel 
Clarke's  brigade.  The  call,  if  not  unnecessary,  was,  at  least,  from 
the  circumstances,  unknown  to  me  at  the  time ;  for,  soon  observing 
that  the  very  large  body  of  the  enemy  in  the  road  in  front  of  Major- 
General  Gluitman's  right,  was  receiving  reinforcements  from  the 
city — less  than  a  mile  and  a  half  to  the  east — I  sent  instructions  to 
Worth,  on  our  opposite  flank,  to  turn  Chapultepec  with  his  division, 
and  to  proceed  cautiously,  by  the  road  at  its  northern  base,  in  order. 


PURSUIT    OF    THE    ENEMY.  63 

if  not  met  by  very  superior  numbers,  to  threaten  or  to  attack, 
in  rear,  that  body  of  the  enemy.  The  movement,  it  was  also 
believed,  could  not  fail  to  distract  and  to  intimidate  the  enemy  gene 
rally. 

"  Worth  promptly  advanced  with  his  remaining  brigade — Colonel 
Garland's — Lieutenant-Colonel  C.  F.  Smith's  light  battalion,  Lieu 
tenant-Colonel  Duncan's  field  battery — all  of  his  division — and  three 
squadrons  of  dragoons  under  Major  Sumner,  which  I  had  just  or 
dered  up  to  join  in  the  movement. 

"  Having  turned  the  forest  on  the  west,  and  arriving  opposite  to 
the  north  centre  of  Chapultepec,  Worth  came  up  with  the  troops  in 
the  road,  under  Colonel  Trousdale,  and  aided  by  a  flank  movement 
of  a  part  of  Garland's  brigade,  in  taking  the  one-gun  breastwork, 
then  under  the  fire  of  Lieutenant  Jackson's  section  of  Captain 
Magruder's  field  battery.  Continuing  to  advance,  this  division 
passed  Chapultepec,  attacking  the  right  of  the  enemy's  line,  resting 
on  that  road,  about  the  moment  of  the  general  retreat,  consequent 
upon  the  capture  of  the  formidable  castle  and  its  outworks. 

"Arriving  some  minutes  later,  and  mounting  to  the  top  of  the 
castle,  the  whole  field  to  the  east  lay  plainly  under  my  view. 

"There  are  two  routes  from  Chapultepec  to  the  capital,  the  one 
on  the  right  entering  the  same  gate,  Belen,  with  the  road  from  the 
south  via  Piedad ;  and  the  other  obliquing  to  the  left,  to  intersect 
the  great  western  or  San  Cosme  road,  in  a  suburb  outside  the  gate 
of  San  Cosme. 

"  Each  of  these  routes  (an  elevated  causeway)  presents  a  double 
roadway,  on  the  sides  of  an  aqueduct  of  strong  masonry  and  great 
height,  resting  on  open  arches  and  massive  pillars,  which  together 
afford  fine  points  both  for  attack  and  defence.  The  sideways  of 
both  aqueducts  are,  moreover,  defended  by  many  strong  breastworks, 
at  the  gates,  and  before  reaching  them.  As  we  had  expected,  we 
found  the  four  tracks  unusually  dry  and  solid  for  the  season. 

"Worth  and  duitman  were  prompt  in  pursuing  the  retreating 
enemy  —  the  former  by  the  San  Cosme  aqueduct,  and  the  latter 
along  that  of  Belen.  Each  had  now  advanced  some  hundred 
yards. 

"Deeming  it  all-important  to  profit  by  our  successes,  and  the 
conseauent  dismay  of  the  enemy,  which  could  not  be  otherwise  than 
general,  I  hastened  to  despatch  from  Chapultepec  —  first  Clarke's 


64  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

brigade,  and  then  Cadwalader's,  to  the  support  of  Worth,  and  gave 
orders  that  the  necessary  heavy  guns  should  follow.  Pierce's  bri 
gade  was,  at  the  same  time,  sent  to  duitman,  and,  in  the  course  of 
the  afternoon,  I  caused  some  additional  siege  pieces  to  be  added  to 
iiis  train.  Then,  after  designating  the  15th  infantry,  under  Lieu- 
tenant-Colone]  Howard — Morgan,  the  colonel,  had  been  disabled  by 
a  wound  at  Churubusco  —  as  the  garrison  of  Chapultepec,  and  giv 
ing  directions  for  the  care  of  the  prisoners  of  war,  the  captured  ord 
nance  and  ordnance  stores,  I  proceeded  to  join  the  advance  of 
Worth;  within  the  suburb,  and  beyond  the  turn  at  the  junction  of 
the  aqueduct  with  the  great  highway  from  the  west  to  the  gate  of 
San  Cosme. 

"At  this  junction  of  roads  we  first  passed  one  of  those  formidable 
systems  of  city  defences  spoken  of  above,  and  it  had  not  a  gun  ! — a 
strong  proof —  1.  That  the  enemy  had  expected  us  to  fail  in  the 
attack  upon  Chapultepec,  even  if  we  meant  any  thing  more  than  a 
feint;  2.  That,  in  either  case,  we  designed,  in  his  belief,  to  return 
and  double  our  forces  against  the  southern  gates  — a  delusion  kept 
up  by  the  active  demonstrations  of  Twiggs  and  the  forces  posted  on 
that  side ;  and  3.  That  advancing  rapidly  from  the  reduction  of 
Chapultepec,  the  enemy  had  not  time  to  shift  guns  —  our  previous 
captures  had  left  him,  comparatively,  but  few  —  from  the  southern 
gates. 

"  Within  those  disgarnished  works  I  found  our  troops  engaged  in 
a  street-fight  against  the  enemy,  posted  in  gardens,  at  windows  and 
on  house-tops — all  flat,  with  parapets.  Worth  ordered  forward  the 
mountain  howitzers  of  Cadwalader's  brigade,  preceded  by  skirmish 
ers  and  pioneers,  with  pick-axes  and  crow-bars,  to  force  windows 
and  doors,  or  to  burrow  through  walls.  The  assailants  were  soon 
in  an  equality  of  position  fatal  to  the  enemy.  By  eight  o'clock  in 
the  evening,  Worth  had  carried  two  batteries  in  this  suburb.  Ac 
cording  to  my  instructions,  he  here  posted  guards  and  sentinels,  and 
placed  his  troops  under,  shelter  for  the  night.  There  was  but  one 
more  obstacle  —  the  San  Cosme  gate  (custom-house)  between  him 
and  the  great  square  in  front  of  the  cathedral  and  palace — the  heart 
of  the  city;  and  that  barrier,  it  was  known,  could  not,  by  daylight, 
resist  our  siege  guns  thirty  minutes. 

"I  had  gone  back  to  the  foot  of  Chapultepec,  the  point  from 
which  the  two  aqueducts  begin  to  diverge,  some  hours  earlier,  in 


AMERICANS   ENTER   THE    CAPITAL.  65 

order  to  be  near  that  new  depot,  and  in  easy  communication  with 
duitman  and  Tvviggs  as  well  as  with  Worth. 

"  From  this  point  I  ordered  all  detachments  and  stragglers  to  their 
respective  corps,  then  in  advance ;  sent  to  duitman  additional  siege 
guns,  ammunition,  entrenching  tools ;  directed  Twiggs'  remaining 
brigade  (Riley's)  from  Piedad,  to  support  Worth,  and  Captain  Step- 
toe's  field  battery,  also  at  Piedad,  to  rejoin  duitman's  division. 

"  1  had  been,  from  the  first,  well  aware  that  the  western,  or  San 
Cosme,  was  the  less  difficult  route  to  the  centre  and  conquest  of  the 
capital ;  and  therefore  intended  that  duitman  should  only  manoeuvre 
and  threaten  the  Belen  or  southwestern  gate,  in  order  to  favour  the 
main  attack  by  Worth — knowing  that  the  strong  defences  at  the 
Belen  were  directly  under  the  guns  of  the  much  stronger  fortress, 
called  the  Citadel,  just  within.  Both  of  these  defences  of  the  enemy 
were  also  within  easy  supporting  distances  from  the  San  Angel  (or 
Nino  Perdido)  and  San  Antonio  gates.  Hence  the  greater  support, 
in  numbers,  given  to  Worth's  movement  as  the  main  attack. 

"Those  views  I  repeatedly,  in  the  course  of  the  day,  communi 
cated  to  Major-General  duitman  ;  but,  being  in  hot  pursuit — gallant 
himself,  and  ably  supported  by  Brigadier-Generals  Shields  and 
Smith — Shields  badly  wounded  before  Chapultepec,  and  refusing  to 
retire — as  well  as  by  all  the  officers  and  men  of  the  column — duit- 
man  continued  to  press  forward,  under  flank  and  direct  fires — car 
ried  an  intermediate  battery  of  two  guns,  and  then  the  gate,  before 
two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  but  not  without  proportionate  loss,  in 
creased  by  his  steady  maintenance  of  that  position. 

"Here,  of  the  heavy  battery — 4th  artillery — Captain  Drum  and 
Lieutenant  Benjamin  were  mortally  wounded,  and  Lieutenant 
Porter,  its  third  in  rank,  slightly.  The  loss  of  those  two  most  dis 
tinguished  officers  the  army  will  long  mourn.  Lieutenants  J.  B. 
Moragne  and  William  Canty,  of  the  South  Carolina  volunteers,  also 
of  high  merit,  fell  on  the  same  occasion  —  besides  many  of  our 
bravest  non-commissioned  officers  and  men — particularly  in  Cap 
tain  Drum's  veteran  company.  I  cannot,  in  this  place,  give  names 
or  numbers,  but  full  returns  of  the  killed  and  wounded  of  all  corps 
in  their  recent  operations,  will  accompany  this  report. 

"  duitman,  within  the  city — adding  several  new  defences  to  the 
position  he  had  won,  and  sheltering  his  corps  as  well  as  practicable 
6* 


66  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

— now  awaited  the  return  of  daylight  under  the  guns  of  the  for 
midable  citadel,  yet  to  be  subdued. 

"  At  about  four  o'clock  next  morning,  (September  14,)  a  deputa 
tion  of  the  ayuntamiento  (city  council)  waited  upon  me  to  report 
that  the  federal  government  and  the  army  of  Mexico  had  fled  from 
the  capital  some  three  hours  before,  and  to  demand  terms  of  capitu 
lation  in  favour  of  the  church,  the  citizens,  and  the  municipal  au 
thorities.  I  promptly  replied  that  I  would  sign  no  capitulation ; 
that  the  city  had  been  virtually  in  our  possession  from  the  time  of 
the  lodgements  effected  by  Worth  and  Quitman  the  day  before  ; 
that  I  regretted  the  silent  escape  of  the  Mexican  army  ;  that  I  should 
levy  a  moderate  contribution,  for  special  purposes ;  and  that  the 
American  army  should  come  under  no  terms,  not  self-imposed- 
such  only  as  its  own  honour,  the  dignity  of  the  United  States,  and 
the  spirit  of  the  age,  should,  in  my  opinion,  imperiously  demand 
and  impose. 
###*##*##*#* 

"At  the  termination  of  the  interview  with  the  city  deputation,  I 
communicated,  about  daylight,  orders  to  Worth  and  Quilman  to  ad 
vance  slowly  and  cautiously  (to  guard  against  treachery)  towards 
the  heart  of  the  city,  and  to  occupy  its  stronger  and  more  command 
ing  points.  Gluitman  proceeded  to  the  great  plaza  or  square,  planted 
guards,  and  hoisted  the  colours  of  the  United  States  on  the  national 
palace — containing  the  halls  of  Congress  and  executive  departments 
of  federal  Mexico.  In  this  grateful  service,  Q,uitman  might  have 
been  anticipated  by  Worth,  but  for  my  express  orders,  halting  the 
latter  at  the  head  of  the  Alemeda,  (a  green  park,)  within  three 
squares  of  that  goal  of  general  ambition.  The  capital,  however, 
was  not  taken  by  any  one  or  two  corps,  but  by  the  talent,  the  science, 
the  gallantry,  the  prowess  of  this  entire  army.  In  the  glorious  con 
quest,  all  had  contributed — early  and  powerfully — the  killed,  the 
wounded,  and  the  fit  for  duty — at  Vera  Cruz,  Sierra  Gordo,  Con- 
treros,  San  Antonio,  Churubusco,  (three  battles,)  the  Molinos  del 
Rey,  and  Chapultepec — as  much  as  those  who  fought  at  the  gates 
of  Belen  and  San  Cosme. 

'*  Soon  after  we  had  entered,  and  were  in  the  act  of  occupying 
the  city,  a  fire  was  opened  on  us  from  the  flat  roofs  of  the  houses,  from 
windows  and  corners  of  streets,  by  some  two  thousand  convicts, 
liberated  the  night  before  by  the  flying  government — joined  by  per- 


NUMBER    IN    THE    BATTLES.  67 

haps  as  many  Mexican  soldiers,  who  had  disbanded  themselves  and 
thrown  off  their  uniforms.  This  unlawful  war  lasted  more  than 
twenty-four  hours,  in  spite  of  the  exertions  of  the  municipal  autho 
rities,  and  was  not  put  down  until  we  had  lost  many.jnen,  including 
several  officers,  killed  or  wounded,  and  had  punished  the  miscreants. 
Their  objects  were,  to  gratify  national  hatred ;  and,  in  the  general 
alarm  and  confusion,  to  plunder  the  wealthy  inhabitants — particularly 
the  deserted  houses.  But  families  are  now  generally  returning; 
business  of  every  kind  has  been  resumed,  and  the  city  is  already 
tranquil  and  cheerful,  under  the  admirable  conduct  (with  exceptions 
very  few  and  trifling)  of  our  gallant  troops. 

"  This  army  has  been  more  disgusted  than  surprised  that,  by 
some  sinister  process  on  the  part  of  certain  individuals  at  home,  its 
numbers  have  been  generally  almost  trebled  in  our  public  papers- 
beginning  at  Washington. 

"  Leaving,  as  we  all  feared,  inadequate  garrisons  at  Vera  Cruz, 
Perote,  and  Puebla,  with  much  larger  hospitals ;  and  being  obliged, 
most  reluctantly,  from  the  same  cause,  (general  paucity  of  numbers,) 
to  abandon  Jalapa,  we  marched  [August  7-10]  from  Puebla,  with 
only  ten  thousand  seven  hundred  and  thirty-eight,  rank  and  file. 
This  number  includes  the  garrison  of  Jalapa,  and  the  two  thousand 
four  hundred  and  twenty-nine  men  brought  up  by  Brigadier-Ge 
neral  Pierce,  August  6. 

"  At  Contreros,  Churubusco,  &c.,  [August  20,]  we  had  but  eight 
thousand  four  hundred  and  ninety-seven  men  engaged — after  de 
ducting  the  garrison  of  San  Augustin,  (our  general  depot,)  the  in 
termediate  sick  and  the  dead ;  at  the  Molinos  del  Rey  [September 
8]  but  three  brigades,  with  some  cavalry  and  artillery — making  in 
all  three  thousand  two  hundred  and  fifty-one  men — were  in  the 
battle  ;  in  the  two  days  [September  12  and  13]  our  whole  operating 
force,  after  deducting,  again,  the  recent  killed,  wounded,  and  sick, 
together  with  the  garrison  of  Miscoac  (the  then  general  depot)  and 
that  of  Tacubaya,  was  but  seven  thousand  one  hundred  and  eighty  ; 
and,  finally,  afteF  deducting  the  new  garrison  of  Chapultepec,  with 
the  killed  and  wounded  of  the  two  days,  we  took  possession,  Sep 
tember  14,  of  this  great  capital,  with  less  than  six  thousand  men ! 
And  I  re-assert,  upon  accumulated  and  unquestionable  evidence, 
that,  in  not  one  of  those  conflicts,  was  this  army  opposed  by  fewer 


68  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

than  three  and  a  half  times  its  numbers — in  several  of  them  by  a 
still  greater  excess. 

"  I  recapitulate  our  losses  since  we  arrived  in  the  basin  of  Mexico. 

"  AUGUST  19,  20. — Killed,  137,  including  14  officers.  Wounded, 
877,  including  62  officers.  Missing,  (probably  killed,)  38  rank  and 
file.  Total,  1,052. 

"SEPTEMBER  8. — Kitted,  116,  including  9  officers.  Wounded, 
665,  including  49  officers.  Missing,  18  rank  and  file.  Total,  862. 

"SEPTEMBER  12,  13,  14.— Killed,  130,  including  10  officers. 
Wounded,  703,  including  68  officers.  Missing,  20  rank  and  file. 
Total,  862. 

"Grand  total  of  losses,  2,703,  including  383  officers. 

"  On  the  other  hand,  this  small  force  has  beaten  on  the  same  oc 
casions,  in  view  of  their  capital,  the  whole  Mexican  army,  of  (at 
the  beginning)  thirty-odd  thousand  men — posted,  always,  in  chosen 
positions,  behind  entrenchments,  or  more  formidable  defences  of  na 
ture  and  art ;  killed  or  wounded,  of  that  number,  more  than  seven 
thousand  officers  and  men  ;  taken  three  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
thirty  prisoners,  one-seventh  officers,  including  thirteen  generals,  of 
whom  three  had  been  presidents  of  this  republic ;  captured  more 
than  twenty  colours  and  standards,  seventy-five  pieces  of  ordnance, 
besides  fifty-seven  wall  pieces,  twenty  thousand  small  arms,  an  im 
mense  quantity  of  shot,  shells,  powder,  &c.  &c. 

"  Of  that  enemy,  once  so  formidable  in  numbers,  appointments, 
artillery,  &c.,  twenty-odd  thousand  have  disbanded  themselves  in 
despair,  leaving,  as  is  known,  not  more  than  three  fragments,  the 
largest  about  two  thousand  five  hundred — now  wandering  in  differ 
ent  directions,  without  magazines  or  a  military  chest,  and  living  at 
free  quarters  upon  their  own  people. 

"  General  Santa  Anna,  himself  a  fugitive,  is  believed  to  be  on  the 
point  of  resigning  the  chief  magistracy,  and  escaping  to  neutral 
Guatemala.  A  new  president,  no  doubt,  will  soon  be  declared,  and 
the  federal  Congress  is  expected  to  re-assemble  at  Queretaro,  one 
hundred  and  twenty-five  miles  north  of  this,  on  the  Zacatecas  road, 
some  time  in  October.  1  have  seen  and  given  safe  conduct  through 
this  city,  to  several  of  its  members.  The  government  will  find  itself 
without  resources  ;  no  army,  no  arsenal,  no  magazines,  and  but  little 
revenue,  internal  or  external.  Still,  such  is  the  obstinacy,  or  rather 
infatuation,  of  this  people,  that  it  is  very  doubtful  whether  the  new 


DESCRIPTION    OF   THE   CAPITAL.  69 

authorities  will  dare  to  sue  for  peace  on  terms  which,  in  the  recent 
negotiations,  were  made  known  by  our  Minister.  *  *  * 

"In  conclusion,  I  beg  to  enumerate,  once  more,  with  due  com 
mendation  and  thanks,  the  distinguished  staff  officers,  general  and 
personal,  who,  in  our  last  operations  in  front  of  the  enemy,  accom 
panied  me,  and  communicated  orders  to  every  point  and  through 
every  danger.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hitchcock,  acting  inspector-gene 
ral  ;  Major  Turnbull  and  Lieutenant  Hardcastle,  topographical  en 
gineers  ;  Major  Kirby,  chief  paymaster ;  Captain  Irwin,  chief  quar 
termaster  ;  Captain  Grayson,  chief  commissary ;  Captain  H.  L. 
Scott,  in  the  adjutant-general's  department ;  Lieutenant  Williams, 
aid-de-camp ;  Lieutenant  Lay,  military  secretary,  and  Major  J.  P. 
Gaines,  Kentucky  cavalry,  volunteer  aid-de-camp.  Captain  Lee, 
engineer,  so  constantly  distinguished,  also  bore  important  orders 
from  me  (September  13)  until  he  fainted  from  a  wound  and  the  loss 
of  two  nights'  sleep  at  the  batteries. 

"Lieutenants  Beauregard,  Stephens,  and  Tower,  all  wounded, 
were  employed  with  the  divisions,  and  Lieutenants  G.  W.  Smith 
and  G.  B.  McClellan  with  the  company  of  sappers  and  miners. 
Those  five  lieutenants  of  engineers,  like  their  captain,  won  the  ad 
miration  of  all  about  them.  The  ordnance  officers,  Captain  Huger, 
Lieutenants  Hagner,  Stone,  and  Reno,  were  highly  effective,  and 
distinguished  at  the  several  batteries ;  and  I  must  add  that  Captain 
McKinstry,  assistant  quartermaster,  at  the  close  of  the  operations, 
executed  several  important  commissions  for  me  as  a  special  volun 
teer. 

"  Surgeon-General  Lawson,  and  the  medical  staff  generally,  were 
skilful  and  untiring  in  and  out  of  fire  in  ministering  to  the  numerous 
wounded." 

The  city  of  Mexico  is  thus  described  in  Murray's  Encyclopedia 
of  Geography : — 

"The  state  of  Mexico  comprises  the  valley  of  Mexico,  a  fine  and 
splendid  region,  variegated  by  extensive  lakes,  and  surrounded  by 
some  of  the  loftiest  volcanic  peaks  of  the  new  world.  Its  circum 
ference  is  about  two  hundred  miles,  and  it  forms  the  very  centre  of 
the  great  table-land  of  Anahuac,  elevated  from  six  to  eight  thousand 
feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  In  the  centre  of  this  valley  stands 
the  city  of  Mexico ;  the  ancient  Mexico,  or  Tenochtitlan,  having 
been  built  in  the  middle  of  a  lake,  and  connected  with  the  continent 


7  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD    SCOTT. 

by  extensive  causeways  or  dykes.  The  new  Mexico  is  three  nvles 
from  the  lake  of  Tezcuco,  and  nearly  six  from  that  of  Chalco ;  yet 
Humboldt  considers  it  certain,  from  the  remains  of  the  ancient 
teocalli,  or  temples,  that  it  occupies  the  identical  position  of  the  for 
mer  city,  and  that  a  great  part  of  the  waters  of  the  valley  have  been 
dried  up.  Mexico  was  long  considered  the  largest  city  of  America ; 
but  it  is  now  surpassed  by  New  York,  perhaps  even  by  Rio  Janeiro. 
Some  estimates  have  raised  its  population  to  two  hundred  thousand  ; 
but  it  may,  on  good  grounds,  be  fixed  at  from  one  hundred  and 
twenty  to  one  hundred  and  forty  thousand.  It  is  beyond  dispute 
the  most  splendid.  « Mexico  is  undoubtedly  one  of  the  finest  cities 
built  by  Europeans  in  either  hemisphere ;  with  the  exception  of  St. 
Petersburgh,  Berlin,  and  Philadelphia,  and  some  quarters  of  West 
minster,  there  does  not  exist  a  city  of  the  same  extent  which  can  be 
compared  to  the  capital  of  New  Spain,  for  the  uniform  level  of  the 
ground  on  which  it  stands,  for  the  regularity  and  breadth  of  the 
streets,  and  the  extent  of  the  squares  and  public  places.  The  archi 
tecture  is  generally  of  a  very  pure  style,  and  there  are  even  edifices 
of  a  very  beautiful  structure.'  The  palace  of  the  late  viceroys,  the 
cathedral,  built  in  what  is  termed  the  Gothic  style,  several  of  the 
convents,  and  some  private  palaces,  reared  upon  plans  furnished  by 
the  pupils  of  the  Academy  of  the  Fine  Arts,  are  of  great  extent  and 
magnificence;  yet,  upon  the  whole,  it  is  rather  the  arrangement, 
regularity,  and  general  effect  of  the  city  which  render  it  so  striking. 
Nothing  in  particular  can  be  more  enchanting  than  the  view  of  the 
city  and  the  valley  from  the  surrounding  heights.  The  eye  sweeps 
over  a  vast  extent  of  cultivated  fields  to  the  very  base  of  the  colossal 
mountains,  covered  with  perpetual  snow.  The  city  appears  as  if 
washed  by  the  waters  of  the  lake  of  Tezcuco,  which,  surrounded  by 
villages  and  hamlets,  resembles  the  most  beautiful  of  the  Swiss  lakes ; 
and  the  rich  cultivation  of  the  vicinity  forms  a  striking  contrast  with 
the  naked  mountains.  Among  these  rise  the  famous  volcano  Popo 
catepetl  and  the  mountain  of  Iztaccihuatl,  of  which  the  first,  an  en 
ormous  cone,  burns  occasionally,  throwing  up  smoke  and  ashes  in 
the  midst  of  eternal  snows.  The  police  of  the  city  is  excellent;  most 
of  the  streets  are  handsomely  paved,  lighted,  and  cleansed.  The 
annual  consumption  in  Mexico  has  been  computed  at  sixteen  thou 
sand  three  hundred  beeves  ;  two  hundred  and  seventy-nine  thousand 
sheep ;  fifty  thousand  hogs ;  one  million  six  hundred  thousand  fowls, 


DESCRIPTION    OF   THE   FORTIFICATIONS.  71 

including  ducks  and  turkeys ;  two  hundred  and  five  thousand  pigeons 
and  partridges.  The  markets  are  remarkably  well  supplied  with 
animal  and  vegetable  productions,  brought  by  crowds  of  canoes  along 
the  lake  of  Chalco,  and  the  canal  leading  to  it.  These  canoes  are 
often  guided  by  females,  who  at  the  same  time  are  weaving  cotton 
in  their  simple  portable  looms,  or  plucking  fowls,  and  throwing  the 
feathers  into  the  water.  Most  of  the  flowers  and  roots  have  been 
raised  in  chinampas,  or  floating  gardens,  an  invention  peculiar  to 
the  new  world.  They  consist  of  rafts  formed  of  reeds,  roots,  and 
bushes,  and  covered  with  black  saline  mould,  which,  being  irrigated 
by  the  water  of  the  lake,  becomes  exceedingly  fertile.  It  is  a  great 
disadvantage  to  Mexico,  however,  that  it  stands  nearly  on  a  level 
with  the  surrounding  lake ;  which,  in  seasons  of  heavy  rain,  over 
whelms  it  with  destructive  inundations.  The  construction  of  a 
desague,  or  canal,  to  carry  off  the  waters  of  the  lake  of  Zumpango, 
and  of  the  principal  river  by  which  it  is  fed,  has,  since  1629,  pre 
vented  any  very  desolating  flood.  The  desague,  though  not  conduct 
ed  with  skill  and  judgment,  cost  five  millions  of  dollars,  and  is  one 
of  the  most  stupendous  hydraulic  works  ever  executed.  Were  it 
filled  with  water,  the  largest  vessels  of  war  might  pass  by  it  through 
the  range  of  mountains  which  bound  the  plain  of  Mexico.  The 
alarms,  however,  have  been  frequent,  and  cannot  well  cease,  while 
the  level  of  that  lake  is  twenty  feet  above  that  of  the  great  square 
of  Mexico." 

The  New  Orleans  Picayune  gives  the  following  description  of 
the  fortifications  around  the  Mexican  capital : — 

"Much  as  has  already  been  said,  our  people  even  up  to  this  time 
have  but  an  imperfect  idea  of  the  immense  superiority  of  force 
General  Scott's  little  army  had  to  contend  with  in  .the  valley  of 
Mexico.  Some  weeks  since  one  of  the  editors  of  this  paper,  writing 
fron  the  seat  of  war,  attempted  to  draw  a  parallel  between  the  deeds 
of  the  early  Spaniards  and  those  of  our  own  gallant  soldiers ;  but  at 
the  time  he  did  not  know  the  full  strength  of  the  Mexican  works 
and  fortifications,  all  completed  previous  to  the  noted  13th  Septem 
ber,  and  ready  to  repel  the  onslaughts  of  the  comparatively  insigni 
ficant  band  of  invaders.  From  a  statement  by  Captain  Lee,  one  of 
the  best  engineers  in  the  American  or  any  other  service,  it  would 
seem  that  the  Mexicans  had  at  the 


72  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD    SCOTT. 

Penon      -     -  -  20  batteries,  for  51  guns,  and  15  inf.  breastworks. 

Mexicalcingo  -     8          "  38      "       "      1    "          " 

San  Antonio  -7          "  24      "       "      2   "          " 

Churubusco  -2          "  15      "       "    —  "          " 

Contreros  -     1          "  22      "       "    —  " 

Chapultepec  -    7          "  19      "       "      7   "          " 

Total,        45  169  25 

"These  were  the  outer  works,  admirably  well  situated  for  de 
fence,  and  presenting  a  most  formidable  appearance  to  those  who 
were  compelled  to  attack  them  from  causeways,  marshes,  and  open 
plains.  The  works  at  El  Molino,  including  the  battery  and  the  lines 
of  infantry  intrenchments  and  strong  buildings,  are  not  enumerated 
in  the  above.  Immediately  around  the  city  of  Mexico,  independent 
of  the  innumerable  ditches  —  these  ditches  filled  with  water,  gene 
rally  twenty-five  feet  wide  and  five  feet  deep,  whose  banks  formed 
natural  parapets  —  there  were  forty-seven  additional  batteries,  pre 
pared  like  the  others  for  one  hundred  and  seventy-seven  guns,  and 
with  seventeen  infantry  breastworks.  Adding  these  to  the  above, 
and  we  have  on  all  the  lines  defending  the  approaches  to  the  city 
no  less  than  ninety-two  batteries,  prepared  for  three  hundred  and 
forty-six  guns,  and  forty-two  infantry  breastworks !  When  it  is 
added  that  to  all  these  works — and  our  own  engineers  were  forcibly 
struck  with  the  admirable  style  in  which  all  the  batteries  of  the 
enemy  were  constructed — that  the  city  of  Mexico  was  naturally  de 
fended  by  canals,  houses  of  solid  and  heavy  masonry,  mud  ditches, 
water,  &c.  &c. ;  that  all  the  buildings  have  flat  roofs  with  solid 
parapets ;  that  the  convents  and  many  other  public  edifices  are  but 
so  many  fortifications — when  all  these  circumstances  are  taken  into 
consideration,  with  the  immense  numerical  superiority  of  the  Mexi 
cans,  the  achievements  of  the  invaders  will  appear  almost  incre 
dible. 

"  The  science  of  engineering  is  probably  as  well  understood  by 
the  Mexicans  as  by  any  of  the  European  nations,  as  an  examination 
of  their  works  will  at  once  prove,  while  their  artillery  practice  is 
most  effective ;  yet  all  availed  them  nothing  against  the  bold  and 
steady  advance  of  the  Americans.  The  sanguinary  battle  of  El 
Molino,  costly  as  it  was  to  General  Worth's  division,  was  appallingly 
disastrous  to  the  enemy,  as  there  his  two  best  infantry  regiments,  the 


INDUSTRY   OF   THE   MEXICANS.  73 

llth  and  12th  of  the  line,  were  utterly  annihilated.  From  that  day 
antil  the  capital  was  entered,  comparatively  speaking,  our  army 
suffered  but  little  from  the  musketry  of  the  enemy,  his  cannon  doing 
nearly  all  the  execution.  General  Gluitman's  advance  upon  the 
Garita  of  Belen,  one  of  the  most  daring  deeds  of  the  war,  was 
through  an  avenue  of  blood  caused  by  the  grape,  canister  and  round 
shot  of  the  Mexican  cannon  ;  while  the  streets  of  San  Cosme,  through 
which  the  remnant  of  General  Worth's  division  was  compelled  to 
advance,  was  literally  swept  by  the  heavy  cannon  and  wall  pieces 
at  the  garita  of  the  same  name.  The  infantry  firing  around  the 
base  of  Chapultepec  was  as  nothing  compared  with  the  incessant  tor 
nado  of  bullets  which  rattled  amid  the  ranks  of  our  columns  as  they 
advanced  upon  Churubusco  and  the  Molino  del  Rey. 

"  And  who  constructed  the  batteries  and  breastworks  around  the 
capital  of  Mexico  ?  Men,  women,  and  children,  as  by  a  common 
impulse,  were  busy  night  and  day,  and  even  ladies  of  the  higher 
class  are  said  to  have  been  liberal  in  their  toil  in  adding  to  the  com 
mon  defence.  Works  complete  in  every  part  sprung  up,  as  if  by 
magic;  the  morning  light  would  dawn  upon  some- well-barricaded 
approach,  which  the  night  before  was  apparently  open  to  the  ad 
vance  of  armed  men.  From  the  outposts  of  the  Americans,  at  any 
time  between  the  8th  and  12th  September,  thousands  and  thousands 
of  the  enemy  could  be  seen,  spade  and  mattock  in  hand,  strengthen 
ing  old  and  forming  new  barriers,  and  the  busy  hum  of  labour 
reached  our  sentinels  even  during  the  still  hours  of  the  night,  as 
fresh  guns  were  placed  in  position,  or  new  avenues  of  approach  were 
closed  against  the  invaders.  Yet  all  would  not  do.  The  Mexicans 
had  not  the  stern  courage  to  defend  the  works  they  had  constructed 
with  such  zeal  and  care,  and  one  after  another  fell  before  the  un 
flinching  bravery  of  men  who  had  but  victory  or  death  before 
them." 

The  Hartford  Times  thus  speaks  of  General  Scott's  campaign  in 
Mexico :  — 

"  It  seems  to  us  that  the  merit  of  General  Scott,  in  gaining  the 
late  astounding  victories  before  Mexico,  has  not  as  yet  received  its 
fitting  tribute  from  the  public  press.  His  political  opinions  must 
necessarily  ever  debar  him  from  receiving  the  suffrages  of  the  Demo 
cratic  party  for  the  chief  magistracy  of  the  Union.  But  this  circum 
stance  cannot  prevent  us  from  seeing  that  this  great  soldier  has 
7 


74  MAJOR-GENERAL    WINFIELD    SCOTT. 

deserved  exceedingly  well  of  the  Republic,  and  acquired  a  very 
strong  title  to  the  fervent  gratitude  of  his  countrymen.  Perhaps, 
indeed,  to  a  man  whose  hairs  are  already  silvered  in  the  service  of 
his  country,  the  due  appreciation  and  acknowledgment  of  that  ser 
vice  may  prove  a  more  acceptable  reward  than  the  highest  office 
that  could  be  conferred  upon  him.  At  all  events,  the  least  that  can 
be  done  is  to  award  just  honour  and  praise,  in  no  stinted  or  niggardly 
measure,  to  those  who  have  no  other  remuneration  to  expect  for 
their  brave  deeds.  The  battles  of  Contreros  and  Churubusco  cer 
tainly  rank  among  the  most  brilliant  military  achievements  of  the 
age.  A  little  band  of  eleven  thousand  audacious  invaders  have  de 
feated,  with  immense  slaughter,  an  army  of  thirty  thousand  troops, 
drawn  up  in  a  position  of  their  own  choosing,  on  their  own  soil,  to 
defend  their  altars  and  hearths,  in  the  very  heart  of  their  country. 
But  it  was  not  alone  the  indomitable  valour  of  our  troops  which 
distinguished  these  battles.  They  were  to  an  equal  degree  marked 
with  all  the  skill,  science,  and  foresight  of  a  masterly  strategy. 

"  In  turning  the  rocky  and  almost  impregnable  passes  of  Penon 
and  Mexicalcingo,  fortified  with  terrific  batteries,  upon  which  the 
enemy  had  expended  the  labour  of  months,  General  Scott  displayed 
the  most  consummate  generalship.  It  was  not  the  mere  avoiding 
or  evading  these  formidable  posts  which  constituted  its  merit.  It 
was,  that  his  cool  and  practised  eye  discerned  at  a  glance  that  a 
passage  could  be  cut  through  dense  forests  and  tangled  defiles,  and 
heaps  of  huge  rock,  where  the  enemy  never  dreamed  that  such  an 
exploit  was  conceivable.  It  was  a  repetition  of  the  same  skilful 
outflanking  mancEuvre  by  which  he  had  before  spared  so  much  va 
luable  life  at  Sierra  Gordo  —  a  movement  which  rendered  all  the 
laborious  preparations  and  defences  of  the  enemy  useless,  and  which 
Santa  Anna  himself  pronounced  to  be  masterly  and  worthy  of  Napo 
leon.  It  has  been  the  crowning  merit  of  Scott,  that,  while  he  has 
been  everywhere  victorious,  he  has  also  everywhere  husbanded  his 
forces.  Daring  and  intrepid  to  the  last  degree  where  those  qualities 
were  called  for,  he  has  at  the  same  time  been  careful  never  wantonly 
to  waste  the  lives  of  his  troops  in  unnecessary  stormings  or  reckless 
assaults.  Under  almost  any  other  genera],  his  mere  handful  of 
troops  would  long  since  have  melted  away  from  repeated  collisions 
with  inert  but  overwhelming  masses.  With  a  humanity  not  less 
conspicuous  than  his  bravery,  Scott  has  always  abstained  from  any 


OPINIONS   OF   THE    PRESS.  75 

indiscriminate  slaughter  even  of  a  sanguinary  and  merciless  foe. 
*  *  *  It  was  a  great  thing  to  have  mastered  the  renowned  for 
tress  of  San  Juan  de  Uiloa — a  second  Gibraltar — with  so  trifling  a 
loss, of  life.  The  victory  over  Santa  Anna  at  Sierra  Gordo,  in  the 
manner  as  well  as  in  the  magnitude  of  the  achievement,  was 
a  daring  and  masterly  exploit.  It  was  also  a  great  thing  —  a  sight, 
in  fact,  full  of  moral  grandeur  —  when  four  thousand  two  hundred 
tattered  and  wayworn  soldiers  under  his  command  entered  the  mag 
nificent  city  of  Puebla,  and,  with  all  the  confidence  of  conquerors, 
stacked  their  arms  and  laid  themselves  down  to  sleep  in  the  great 
square,  surrounded  by  a  hostile  population  of  eighty  thousand. 

"  But,  last 'of  all,  and  more  admirable  than  all,  has  been  the  care 
with  which  he  has  nursed  and  kept  together  his  little  band  of  eleven 
thousand,  and  the  almost  fabulous  audacity  and  still  more  incredible 
success  with  which  he  has  pushed  them,  step  by  step,  to  the  very 
heart  of  a  civilized  nation  of  seven  millions,  and  to  the  gates  of  a 
capital  of  two  hundred  thousand  souls,  the  renowned  seat  of  a  le 
gendary  and  mythic  magnificence,  and  the  most  ancient  and  best- 
built  city  on  the  continent.  If  modern  warfare  has  any  parallel  for 
this  great  feat  of  arms,  we  know  not  where  to  look  for  it. 

"The  successive  triumphs  of  Vera  Cruz,  of  Sierra  Gordo,  of 
Puebla,  and  of  Mexico,  undimmed  as  they  have  hitherto  been  by  a 
single  reverse,  have  unquestionably  raised  the  reputation  of  the 
commander  to  a  very  great  height,  and  placed  it,  to  say  the  least, 
fully  on  a  level  with  that  of  the  greatest  generals  of  his  time.  Nor 
is  there  any  denying  that  those  victories  have  been  of  such  an  order 
that,  while  they  elevate  the  successful  leader,  they  also,  to  at  least 
an  equal  degree,  exalt  the  character  and  extend  the  renown  of  his 
country.  Hence  we  cannot  bring  ourselves  to  make  any  apology 
for  what  appears  to  us  a  just  notice  of  General  Scott,  on  the  score 
of  his  being  a  Whig.  A  sense  of  gratitude  for  his  distinguished 
services  in  this  war  would  not  permit  us  to  say  less.  The  fame  of 
a  victorious  general  cannot  justly  be  held  to  belong  to  any  party.  It 
is  the  property  of  the  whole  nation.' 

The  Baltimore  American  of  October  22d,  says  : — 

"  The  records  or  the  gallant  achievements  of  our  troops  in  Mexico 
add  new  lustre  to  the  martial  history  of  the  Republic.  From  the 
landing  at  Vera  Cruz,  to  the  entrance  of  our  army  into  the  city  of 
Mexico,  a  series  of  brilliant  exploits  has  marked  every  step  of  their 

it 


76  MAJOR-GENERAL   WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

way.  If  the  retreat  of  Xenophon,  with  ten  thousand  men,  from  the 
heart  of  an  enemy's  country,  is  regarded  with  admiration,  and  men 
tioned  in  history  as  one  of  those  extraordinary  things  which  genius 
and  enterprise  can  accomplish  when  favoured  by  fortune,  what  must 
be  said  of  the  advance  of  an  army  little  exceeding  ten  thousand  into 
the  valley  of  Mexico,  into  the  capital  of  the  enemy's  country,  three 
hundred  miles  from  the  coast,  storming  its  way  as  it  marched,  de 
feating  armies  far  exceed  ing  it  in  numbers,  and  entrenched  in  strong 
fortifications,  and  holding  its  position  victoriously  in  a  city  of  one 
hundred  and  eighty  thousand  inhabitants,  in  the  midst  of  a  dense 
and  hostile  population  around  ? 

"  The  army  which  has  done  this  is  composed,  too,  in  part  of 
volunteer  soldiers  who  have  seen  service  for  the  first  time— of  men 
who  hurried  from  the  peaceful  avocations  of  life  to  encounter  the 
perils  and  hardships  of  war,  with  no  preparation,  no  habitual  disci 
pline,  expecting  to  receive  their  first  lessons  in  military  affairs  upon 
the  field  of  battle.  Noble  scholars  indeed  have  they  proved  them 
selves  to  be  !  The  soldiers  of  one  campaign,  they  are  veterans  al 
ready,  able  to  cope  with  the  veterans  of  any  service. 

"The  masterly  generalship  of  the  commander-in-chief  has  ex 
hibited  the  most  admirable  combinations  of  discretion  and  daring 
throughout  this  whole  career  of  bold  invasion,  of  determined  per 
severance  and  heroic  achievements.  The  laurels  of  Chippewa, 
which  crowned  the  youthful  brow  of  Scott,  are  renewed  and  fresh 
ened  by  those  plucked  from  the  battle-fields  of  Mexico.  Long  may 
they  flourish  in  the  brightness  of  their  verdure ! 

"  The  forbearance  of  General  Scott  when  he  entered  the  city  of 
Mexico,  as  testified  to  by  the  letters  of  resident  foreigners  who  had 
witnessed  the  sacking  of  European  cities  when  entered  by  an  ex 
cited  and  victorious  soldiery,  is  a  characteristic  of  the  most  exalted 
kind,  reflecting  unspeakable  honour  upon  the  commander  who  or 
dered,  and  upon  the  troops  that  obeyed  such  directions  of  forbear 
ance  at  such  a  moment.  The  evidence  is  direct,  that  no  houses 
were  molested,  except  those  from  which  shots  were  fired  upon  our 
men. 

"  The  country  has  reason  to  be  proud  indeed  of  this  brave  little 
army,  of  its  eminent  general,  of  its  noble  and  accomplished  officers. 
Worthily  have  they  sustained  the  American  name ;  gloriously  have 
they  exalted  its  martial  renown  in  the  eyes  of  the  world.  It  is  now 


HIS   BRAVERY,    SKILL,    ETC.  77 

for  the  country  to  sustain  them,  to  strengthen  that  gallant  band,  to 
uphold  them  in  that  distant  and  hostile  land  upon  which  they  have 
enstamped  the  impress  of  American  valour,  and  displayed  victory 
on  the  folds  of  the  national  flag." 

Such  has  been  the  career  of  Major-General  Scott  up  to  the  pre 
sent  time.  Beginning  his  military  course  at  Chippewa,  he  attained, 
during  the  late  war,  a  renown  for  bravery,  skill,  and  generalship,  as 
flattering  as  it  was  singular;  and  his  recent  unparalleled  campaign 
in  Mexico  has  confirmed  all  former  opinion  of  his  merits,  proven 
his  efficiency  in  planning  and  executing  a  series  of  protracted  ope 
rations,  and  placed  him  before  the  world  as  one  of  the  ablest  gene 
rals  of  his  age. 


T* 


MAJOR-GENERAL  GIDEON  J.  PILLOW. 


GENERAL  PILLOW  was  born  June  10th,  1806,  in  Williamson 
County,  Tennessee.  He  graduated  [October  1827]  at  the  University 
of  Nashville,  and  studied  law  at  Columbia,  under  Judge  Kennedy. 
Admitted  to  the  bar  in  October,  1829,  he  became  distinguished,  and 
acquired  extensive  practice.  As  an  advocate,  he  is  eloquent  and 
forcible,  prompt  in  action,  and  indomitable  in  perseverance. 

General  Pillow  was  a  delegate  to  the  National  Democratic  Con 
vention,  held  in  Baltimore,  in  1844 ;  but,  excepting  in  this  instance, 
he  has  never  taken  an  active  part  in  politics,  preferring  the  enjoy 
ment  of  his  ample  fortune  in  the  domestic  circle  to  the  cares  of 
active  life.  On  the  24th  of  March,  1831,  he  married  Miss  Mary 
E.  Martin,  by  whom  he  has  seven  children.  About  the  same  time, 
he  received  from  his  friend,  General  Carroll,  the  appointment  of 
of  Inspector-General  of  the  State  militia. 

Soon  after  the  news  of  Taylor's  campaign  on  the  Rio  Grande 
had  reached  the  United  States,  General  Pillow  proceeded  to  the 
seat  of  war.  During  the  summer  and  fall  of  1846,  he  was  stationed 
at  Camargo,  with  a  large  command  of  volunteers  from  Tennessee, 
Alabama,  and  Georgia,  whose  discipline,  especially  that  relating  to 
the  evolutions  of  the  line,  he  superintended  in  person.  In  the 
winter,  he  marched  through  the  interior  of  Mexico  to  Victoria,  at 
the  head  of  a  regiment  of  Tennessee  cavalry,  and  two  regiments 
of  Illinois  volunteers.  With  his  own  brigade,  consisting  of  three 
regiments  of  Tennessee  troops,  he  subsequently  moved  from  Victo 
ria,  over  mountains,  rivers,  and  rugged  plains,  to  Tampico,  a  distance 
of  four  hundred  and  fifty  miles.  From  Tampico  he  crossed  the 
Gulf,  joined  General  Scott's  army  before  Vera  Cruz,  and  was  the 
second  officer  to  debark  his  command.  He  had  two  skirmishes 
with  parties  of  the  enemy  before  the  walls  of  Vera  Cruz,  in  both 
of  which  he  charged  with  great  impetuosity,  and  drove  the  superior 
masses  of  his  opponents,  in  presence  of  both  armies.  On  the  field 
of  one  of  these  battles,  was  afterwards  erected  the  Naval  Battery 

(78) 


GENERAL  PILLOW. 


PILLOW  AT  VERA  CRUZ  AND  SIERRA  GORDO.   79 

which  did  such  execution  against  the  city.  The  construction  of 
this  required  the  labour  of  seven  days  and  nights,  and  was  executed 
almost  entirely  by  General  Pillow.  During  the  siege,  he  was  em 
ployed  in  extending  the  American  line,  in  order  completely  to  invest 
the  city,  a  duty  which  required  a  great  amount  of  care  and  labour. 
During  the  suspension  of  hostilities,  he  was  appointed  one  of  the 
commissioners  to  negotiate  a  capitulation.  On  the  13th  of  April, 
1847,  he  received  a  commission  as  major-general. 

At  Sierra  Gordo,  Pillow  attacked  a  fort  in  which  was  a  large 
Mexican  force  under  General  La  Vega.  He  had  carefully  reconnoi 
tred  this  station,  and  received  a  wound  while  leading  his  troops  to  the 
assault  in  the  face  of  a  galling  fire.  La  Vega,  however,  defending 
himself  with  an  obstinacy  worthy  of  the  fame  he  had  acquired  on 
the  Rio  Grande,  obliged  the  Americans  to  fall  back.  A  second 
attempt  was  attended  with  similar  results.  While  chagrined  with 
this  repulse,  Pillow  was  gratified  to  learn  that  he  had  held  the  Mexi 
cans  long  enough  employed  to  prevent  their  succouring  Santa  Anna's 
forces,  whose  capture  had,  consequently,  been  much  accelerated.  On 
perceiving  that  the  battle  was  lost,  General  La  Vega  surrendered. 

In  reference  to  this  battle,  General  Scott  has  the  following  lan 
guage  in  his  Order,  No.  287 :  —  "It  is  due  also  to  state,  that  in  the 
part  assigned  to  Brigadier  (now  Major)  General  Pillow  and  his 
brigade,  the  batteries  attacked  by  them  were  found  much  more  for 
midable  than  that  leader  or  the  general-in-chief  had  supposed." 

General  Pillow  bore  his  full  share  in  the  glorious  operations  be 
fore  the  capita],  denominated  by  General  Scott  "the  battles  of 
Mexico."  His  services  in  the  first  series  of  operations  are  related 
in  the  following  extracts  from  his  own  report : 

"  In  compliance  with  the  order  of  the  general-in-chief,  I  moved 
with  my  division,  early  on  the  morning  of  the  19th  instant,  and 
opened  the  road  over  the  mountain  on  the  route  indicated  by  Cap 
tain  Lee,  of  the  engineer  corps,  assisted  by  Lieutenants  Beauregard, 
Stephens,  Tower,  Smith,  McClelland,  and  Foster.  Brigadier-Gen 
eral  Twiggs,  with  his  division,  reported  to  me  for  duty,  under  in 
structions  from  the  general-in-chief,  whilst  my  own  division  was 
moving  over  the  mountain. 

"  Perceiving  that  the  enemy  was  in  large  force  on  the  opposite 
side  of  the  valley,  with  heavy  batteries  of  artillery  commanding  the 
only  road  through  a  vast  plain  of  broken  volcanic  stone  and  lava. 


80  MAJOR-GENERAL    PILLOW. 

rent  into  deep  chasms  and  fissures,  effectually  preventing  any  ad 
vance  except  under  his  direct  fire,  I  resolved  to  give  him  battle. 
For  this  purpose,  I  ordered  General  Twiggs  to  advance  with  his 
finely-disciplined  division,  and  with  one  brigade  to  assault  the  ene 
my's  works  in  front,  and  with  the  other  to  turn  his  left  flank,  and 
assail  it  in  reverse.  Captain  Magruder's  fine  field  battery  and  Lieu 
tenant  Calender's  howitzer  battery  (both  of  which  constitute  part 
of  my  division)  were  placed  at  the  disposal  of  Brigadier-General 
Twiggs.  ****** 

"  Colonel  Riley's  command,  having  now  crossed  the  vast,  broken- 
up  plain  of  lava,  passed  the  village  on  the  right,  and  whilst  in  the 
act  of  turning  the  enemy's  left,  was  confronted  by  several  thousand 
lancers,  who  advanced  to  the  charge,  when  a  well-directed  fire  from 
the  brigade  twice  compelled  them  to  fall  back  in  disorder,  under 
cover  of  their  artillery.  About  this  time  Brigadier-General  Cad- 
walader's  command  had  also  crossed  the  plain,  when  some  five  or 
six  thousand  troops  of  the  enemy  were  observed  moving  rapidly 
from  the  direction  of  the  capital  to  the  field  of  action.  Colonel 
Morgan,  with  his  large  and  fine  regiment,  which  I  had  caused  to  be 
detached  from  the  rear  of  Pierce's  brigade,  was  now  ordered  to  the 
support  of  Cadwalader,  by  direction  of  the  general-in-chief,  who  had 
now  arrived  upon  the  field. 

"  The  general,  having  discovered  this  large  force  moving  upon 
his  right  flank  and  to  the  rear,  with  decided  military  tact  and 
promptitude  threw  back  his  right  wing  and  confronted  the  enemy, 
with  the  intention  to  give  him  battle,  notwithstanding  his  over 
whelming  force. 

This  portion  of  the  enemy's  force  moved  steadily  forward  until 
a  conflict  seemed  inevitable,  when  Colonel  Morgan's  regiment, 
having  reached  this  part  of  the  field,  presented  a  front  so  formidable 
as  to  induce  the  enemy  to  change  his  purpose,  and  draw  off  to  the 
right  and  rear  of  his  former  position. 

"  During  all  this  time,  the  battle  raged  fiercely  between  the  other 
portions  of  the  two  armies,  with  a  constant  and  destructive  fire  of 
artillery.  Magruder's  battery,  from  its  prominent  position,  was  much 
disabled  by  the  heavy  shot  of  the  enemy,  as  were  also  Callender's 
howitzers.  A  part  of  the  enemy's  artillery  had  been  turned  upon 
Riley's  command,  whilst  actively  engaged  with  large  bodies  of 
lancers ;  but  even  these  combined  attacks  could  only  delay  the  pur 
pose  of  the  gallant  old  veteran  and  his  noble  brigade. 


OPERATIONS    NEAR   THE    CAPITAL.  81 

"The  battle  all  this  day  was  conducted  under  my  immediate  or 
ders,  and  within  my  view ;  a  short  time  before  sunset,  having  pre 
viously  engaged  in  the  fight  all  the  forces  at  my  disposal,  myself 
and  staff  started  to  cross  the  plain,  to  join  in  the  terrible  struggle  on 
the  immediate  field-of  action.  *  *  *  * 

"  During  the  night,  Brigadier-General  Smith  disposed  the  forces 
present,  to  renew  the  action  at  daylight,  and  complete  the  original 
order  of  attack.  Before  dark,  however,  the  enemy  had  placed  two 
pieces  of  artillery  on  a  height  nearly  west  of  Cadwalader's  position, 
which  had  opened  with  several  discharges  upon  his  forces.  Briga 
dier-General  Smith,  just  before  daylight,  moved  a  portion  of  the 
forces  up  the  ravine  to  the  rear  of  the  enemy's  position,  so  as  to  be 
within  easy  turning  distance  of  his  left  flank — leaving  Colonel  Ran 
som  with  the  9th  and  12th  infantry  to  make  a  strong  diversion  in 
front.  The  day  being  sufficiently  advanced,  the  order  was  given  by 
Brigadier-General  Smith  for  the  general  assault;  when  General 
Smith's  command  upon  the  left,  and  Colonel  Riley  with  his  brigade 
upon  the  right,  supported  by  General  Cadvvalader  with  his  com 
mand,  moved  up  with  the  utmost  gallantry,  under  the  furious  fire 
from  the  enemy's  batteries,  which  were  immediately  carried  ;  a  large 
number  of  prisoners  were  taken,  including  four  generals,  with  twenty- 
three  out  of  the  twenty-eight  pieces  of  artillery,  and  a  large  amount 
of  ammunition  and  public  property. 

"  The  retreating  enemy  was  compelled  to  pass  through  a  severe 
fire,  both  from  the  assaulting  forces  and  Cadwalader's  brigade,  as 
well  as  Shields'  command,  who  had  remained  at  the  position  occu 
pied  by  the  former  general  the  previous  night,  with  the  purpose  of 
covering  the  movement  upon  the  battery.  *  *  * 

"  Having  myself  crossed  the  plain,  and  reached  this  bloody  theatre 
as  the  last  scene  of  the  conflict  was  closing,  as  soon  as  suitable  dispo 
sitions  were  made  to  secure  the  fruits  of  the  victory,  I  resolved  upon 
pursuing  the  discomfited  enemy,  in  which  I  found  that  Brigadier- 
Generals  Twiggs  and  Smith  had  already  anticipated  me  by  having 
commenced  the  movement.  At  the  same  time,  I  apprized  the  ge- 
neral-in-chief  of  my  advance,  requesting  his  authority  to  proceed 
with  all  the  forces  still  under  my  command,  sweeping  around  the 
valley,  attack  the  strong  works  of  San  Antonio  in  rear;  and  re 
quested  the  co-operation  of  General  Worth's  division,  by  an  assault 
upon  that  work  in  front ;  which  the  general-in-chief  readily  granted, 


82  MAJOR-GEiNERAL    PILLOW. 

and  directed  accordingly — having,  as  I  learn,  upon  being  advised  of 
the  victory,  previously  given  the  order.  1  had  moved  rapidly  for 
ward  in  execution  of  this  purpose,  until  I  reached  the  town  Coyoacan, 
where  the  command  was  halted  to  await  the  arrival  of  the  general- 
in-chief,  who,  I  was  informed,  was  close  at  hand.  Upon  his  arrival, 
the  important  fact  was  ascertained,  that  the  enemy's  forces  at  San 
Antonio  having  perceived  that  the  great  battery  had  been  lost,  and 
the  total  defeat  and  rout  of  their  forces  at  Contreros,  by  which  their 
rear  was  opened  to  assault,  had  abandoned  the  work  at  San  Antonio, 
and  fallen  back  upon  their  strong  entrenchments  in  rear  at  Churu- 
busco. 

"  Upon  the  receipt  of  this  information,  the  general-in-chief  imme 
diately  ordered  Brigadier-General  Tvviggs's  division  to  move  forward 
and  attack  the  work  on  the  enemy's  right,  and  directed  me  to  move 
with  Cadwalader's  brigade,  and  assault  the  Tete  du  pont  on  its  left. 
Moving  rapidly  in  execution  of  this  order,  I  had  great  difficulty  in 
passing  the  command  over  some  marshy  fields,  andVide  and  deep 
ditches,  filled  with  mud  and  water.  I  was  compelled  to  dismount 
in  order  to  cross  these  obstacles,  which  were  gallantly  overcome  by 
the  troops,  when  the  whole  force  gained  the  main  causeway ;  at 
which  place  I  met  General  Worth,  with  the  advance  of  his  division, 
moving  upon  the  same  work.  It  was  then  proposed  that  our  united 
divisions  should  move  on  to  the  assault  of  the  strong  Tete  du  pont, 
which,  with  its  heavy  artillery,  enfiladed  the  causeway.  This  being 
determined  upon,  the  troops  of  the  two  divisions  moved  rapidly  to 
attack  the  work  on  its  left  flank,  and,  notwithstanding  the  deadly  fire 
of  grape  and  round-shot  from  the  work,  which  swept  the  roadway 
with  furious  violence,  on  and  onward  these  gallant  and  noble  troops 
moved  with  impetuous  valour,  and  terrible  and  long  was  the  bloody 
conflict.  But  the  result  could  not  be  doubted.  At  length  the  loud 
and  enthusiastic  cheer  of  the  Anglo-Saxon  soldier  told  that  all  was 
well,  and  the  American  colours  moved  in  triumph  over  the  bloody 
scene." 

During  the  operations  of  General  Worth  upon  Molino  del  Rey, 
Pillow  with  his  command  was  stationed  at  Tacubaya,  but  on  the 
12th  of  September  he  received  orders  to  move  from  that  place,  and 
hold  his  troops  in  readiness  at  the  Molinos,  to  storm  Chapultepec. 
Soon  after  occupying  that  station,  a  large  body  of  lancers  appeared 
before  it,  and  for  a  long  while  threatened  an  attack.  The  general. 


OPERATIONS   NEAR   THE    CAPITAL.  83 

however,  presented  so  bold  a  front,  that  they  were  finally  induced 
to  retire.  Similar  demonstrations  were  made  during  the  whole  day, 
thus  obliging  the  troops  to  maintain  a  constant,  painful  watchfulness. 

At  daylight  of  the  13th  the  cannonade  upon  Chapultepec,  which 
had  ceased  the  evening  before,  recommenced,  and  continued  until 
=eight  o'clock.  During  all  this  time,  Pillow  was  preparing  his 
troops  for  an  assault. 

The  part  taken  by  the  general  in  the  storming  of  Chapultepec, 
forms  one  of  the  most  brilliant  chapters  of  his  biography.  Under 
the  most  dreadful  showers  of  grape,  canister,  and  round-shot,  his 
soldiers  rushed  on,  with  shouts  that  rang  above  the  roaring  of  can 
non,  leaped  the  works,  drove  the  masses  of  the  enemy  at  the  point 
of  the  bayonet,  and,  tearing  down  the  Mexican  standard,  run  up 
that  of  the  United  States  in  its  stead.  While  rushing  along  by 
their  side,  Pillow  was  himself  struck  down  by  a  grape-shot ;  but, 
eager  only  for  victory,  he  ordered  his  men  to  carry  him  to  the  for 
tress,  in  order  that  he  might  witness  the  triumph  of  his  regiment. 

Pillow's  wound  was  severe  and  painful,  though,  fortunately,  not 
serious.  The  season  of  comparative  repose  which  followed  the 
taking  of  the  capital,  has  restored  him  to  his  customary  health.* 

*  The  general's  father,  Gideon  Pillow,  was  born  in  Rockingham  County, 
N.  C.j  September  24th,  1774.  He  was  the  second  son  of  John,  and  Ursula 
Johnson  Pillow,  who,  in  1789,  removed  from  North  Carolina  to  Davidson 
County,  Ten.,  and  settled  temporarily  with  his  family  at  '  John  Brown;s,'  a 
thin  frontier  station  four  miles  south  of  Nashville.  He  was  killed  in  the 
fall  of  1793,  leaving  William  and  Gideon  to  protect  six  younger  brothers 
and  sisters.  One  or  both  of  these  young  men  went  upon  almost  every 
excursion  sent  from  Davidson  County  against  the  savages  from  1789 
to  1794.  In  the  latter  year  the  Indians  discontinued  their  annoyances. 
Both  fought  bravely  at  Nickojack.  William  was  colonel  of  a  regiment  under 
General  Jackson  in  the  late  Creek  war,  and  was  shot  through  the  body  at 
Talladega,  whilst  pursuing  the  enemy.  He  now  resides  on  his  farm  in 
Maury  County.  Gideon  was  a  farmer  and  landdealer,  but  died  from 
home  (Madison  Co.,  Ten.),  February  26th,  1830,  leaving  three  sons  and 
three  daughters.  , 


MAJOK-GENERAL  QUITMAN. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  JOHN  A.  QUITMAN,  like  his  fellow  officer,  Pillow, 
has  but  recently  entered  upon  active  service.  He  served  as  a  volun 
teer  at  Monterey,  and  was  appointed  to  the  regular  army,  April 
14th,  1847,  from  Mississippi,  although  New  York  is  his  native  state. 

The  following  detailed  report  is  a  complete  description  of  the  ser 
vices  of  his  brigade  at  Monterey  : — 

"Being  ordered,  on  the  morning  of  the  22d,  to  relieve  Colonel 
Garland's  command,  which  had,  during  the  preceding  night,  occu 
pied  the  redoubt  and  fortifications  taken  on  the  21st,  my  command 
marched  from  their  encampment  about  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning. 
Colonel  Campbell,  of  the  Tennessee  regiment,  being  indisposed  from 
the  fatigue  and  exposure  of  the  preceding  day,  the  command  of  his 
regiment  devolved  on  Lieutenant-Colonel  Anderson.  Both  regi 
ments  were  much  reduced  by  the  casualties  of  the  twenty-first, 
and  the  necessary  details  for  the  care  of  the  wounded.  The  march 
necessarily  exposed  the  brigade  for  a  short  distance  to  a  severe  fire 
of  artillery  from  the  works  still  in  possession  of  the  enemy  on  this 
side  of  the  city,  and  from  the  cross-fire  of  the  citadel.  We  were 
not  allowed  to  reach  our  post  without  some  loss.  Private  Dubois, 
of  Captain  Crump's  company  of  Mississippi  riflemen,  was  killed, 
and  two  men  of  the  same  company  wounded,  before  entering  the 
works.  The  redoubt  and  adjacent  works  being  occupied  by  my 
brigade,  and  Lieutenant  Ridgely's  battery,  a  portion  of  the  troops 
were  engaged,  under  the  direction  of  Lieutenant  J.  M.  Scarritt,  of 
engineers,  in  strengthening  our  position  on  the  side  next  to  town. 

"At  intervals  during  the  whole  day,  until  nine  o'clock  at  night, 

the  enemy  kept  up  from  their  fortifications,  and  from  the  citadel, 

discharges  of  shell,  round  shot,  and  grape.     It  was  in  the  forenoy 

of  this  day,  that,  by  the  aid  of  our  glasses,  we  were  presented  with 

(84) 


QUITMAN    AT    MONTEREY.  85 

a  full  view  of  the  storming  of  the  Bishop's  palace  by  troops  under 
General  Worth  on  the  heights  beyond  the  city.  The  shout  by 
which  our  brave  volunteers  greeted  the  display  of  the  American 
flag  on  the  palace,  was  returned  by  the  enemy  from  their  works 
near  us  by  a  tremendous  fire  of  round  shot  and  grape  upon  us  with 
out  effect.  During  the  day,  plans  of  assault  on  the  adjacent  Mexi 
can  works  were  considered  of,  but  in  the  evening  my  attention  was 
drawn  to  a  line  of  about  fifteen  hundred  Mexican  infantry  at  some 
distance  in  rear  of  their  works.  The  presence  of  this  force,  amount 
ing  to  nearly  three  times  our  effective  numbers,  and  which  appeared 
to  be  posted  for  the  protection  of  the  works,  induced  me  to  give  up 
all  idea  of  forcing  the  works  without  reinforcements.  During  the 
night  several  reconnoissances  were  made  with  details  of  Captain 
WhhfiehTs  company,  in  the  direction  of  the  redoubt  'El  Diablo.' 
Frequent  signals  between  the  different  posts  of  the  enemy  during 
the  night  kept  us  on  the  alert ;  and  at  the  first  dawn  of  day  on  the 
23d,  it  was  discovered  that  the  enemy  had  abandoned,  or  were 
abandoning,  the  strong  works  nearest  to  us.  Colonel  Davis,  with  a 
portion  of  his  command,  supported  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Anderson, 
with  two  companies  of  the  Tennessee  regiment,  was  ordered  to  take 
possession  of  the  works.  This  was  promptly  done.  The  enemy 
had  withdrawn  their  artillery  during  the  night,  and  nothing  of  value 
fell  into  our  hands  but  some  prisoners  and  ammunition.  From  this 
work,  which  commanded  a  view  of  the  cathedral,  and  a  portion  of 
the  great  plaza  of  the  city,  we  perceived  another  half-moon  or  tri 
angular  redoubt  in  advance  of  us,  and  on  our  right,  which  appeared 
to  be  immediately  connected  with  heavy  stone  buildings  and  walls 
adjoining  the  block  of  the  city.  Having  reported  my  observations 
to  the  commanding  general,  who  had  approached  the  field  of  our 
operations,  I  received  permission  to  advance  upon  the  defences  of 
the  city  in  this  direction,  and,  if  deemed  practicable,  to  occupy  them. 
It  was  sufficiently  apparent  that  all  the  approaches  to  the  city  on 
this  side  were  strongly  fortified.  Wishing  to  proceed  with  caution, 
under  the  qualified  permission  of  the  commanding  general,  I  sent, 
out  a  party  of  riflemen,  under  Lieutenant  Graves,  to  reconnoitie, 
supporting  them  at  some  distance  by  a  company  of  Tennessee  in 
fantry,  under  Captain  McMurray.  Some  active  movements  of  the 
enemy  in  the  vicinity  induced  me  to  halt  this  party,  and  to  order  out 
Colonel  Davis,  with  two  companies  of  his  command,  and  two  "om- 
8 


86  MAJOR-GENERAL   QUITMAN. 

panies  of  Tennessee  troops,  to  advance  on  these  works.  As  the 
troops  advanced,  armed  men  were  seen  flying  at  their  approach. 
Upon  reaching  the  redoubt  which  had  attracted  our  attention,  we 
perceived  that  it  was  open,  and  exposed  to  the  fire  of  the  enemy 
from  the  stone  buildings  and  walls  in  the  rear.  It  was,  therefore, 
necessary  to  select  another  position  less  exposed.  Posting  the  two 
companies  of  infantry,  in  a  position  to  defend  the  lodgement  we  had 
effected,  I  directed  Colonel  Davis  to  post  his  command  as  he  might 
deem  most  advantageous  for  defence  or  active  operations,  intending 
here  to  await  further  orders  or  reinforcements.  In  reconnoitring 
the  place,  several  shots  were  fired  at  Colonel  Davis  by  the  enemy, 
and  several  files  of  the  riflemen  who  had  advanced  to  the  slope  of  a 
breastwork,  (No.  1,)  which  had  been  thrown  across  the  street  for 
the  defence  of  the  city,  returned  the  fire.  A  volley  from  the  enemy 
succeeded.  Our  party  having  been  reinforced  by  additions  from 
the  riflemen  and  infantry,  a  brisk  firing  was  soon  opened  on  both 
sides,  the  enemy  from  the  house-tops  and  parapets  attempting  to 
drive  us  from  the  lodgement  we  had  effected.  A  considerable  body 
of  the  enemy,  securely  posted  on  the  top  of  a  large  building  on  our 
left,  which  partially  overlooked  the  breastwork,  No.  1,  continued  to 
pour  in  their  fire,  and  killed  private  Tyree,  of  company  K,  whose 
gallant  conduct  at  the  breastwork  had  attracted  the  attention  of  both 
his  colonel  and  myself.  From  this  commencement,  in  a  short  time 
the  action  became  general.  The  enemy  appearing  to  be  in  great 
force,  and  firing  upon  our  troops  from  every  position  of  apparent 
security,  I  despatched  my  aid,  Lieutenant  Nichols,  with  orders  to 
advance  the  whole  of  my  brigade  which  could  be  spared  from  the 
redoubts  occupied  by  us.  A  portion  of  the  Mississippi  regiment, 
under  Major  Bradford,  advanced  to  the  support  of  the  troops  en 
gaged,  but  Lieutenant-Colonel  Anderson,  with  a  part  of  the  Ten 
nessee  regiment,  was  required  to  remain  for  the  protection  of  the 
redoubts  in  our  possession.  With  this  additional  force  more  active 
operations  upon  the  city  were  begun.  Detachments  of  our  troops 
advanced,  penetrating  into  buildings  and  occupying  the  flat  roofs  of 
houses,  and  by  gradual  approaches,  driving  the  enemy  back.  They 
had  been  engaged  more  than  an  hour,  when  they  were  reinforced 
by  a  detachment  of  dismounted  Texan  rangers,  commanded  by 
General  Henderson,  with  whose  active  and  effectual  co-operations 
the  attack  upon  the  city  was  gradually,  but  successfully  prosecuted. 


QUITMAN    AT    MONTEREY.  87 

Buildings,  streets,  and  courts  were  occupied  by  our  troops  without 
much  loss,  until,  after  being  engaged  for  about  five  hours,  having 
advanced  within  less  than,  two  squares  of  the  great  plaza,  apprehen 
sive  that  we  might  fall  under  the  range  of  our  own  artillery,  which 
had  been  brought  up  to  our  support,  and  our  ammunition  being 
nearly  exhausted,  active  operations  were  ordered  to  cease  until  the 
effect  of  the  batteries,  which  had  been  brought  forward  into  one  of 
the  principal  streets,  could  be  seen. 

"  It  being  found  that  the  barricades  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the 
plaza  were  too  strong  to  be  battered  down  by  our  light  artillery,  the 
commanding  general,  who  had  taken  position  in  the  city,  ordered 
the  troops  gradually  and  slowly  to  retire  to  the  defences  taken  in  the 
morning.  This  was  done  in  good  order,  the  enemy  firing  occasion 
ally  upon  us,  but  not  venturing  to  take  possession  of  the  part  of  the 
town  we  had  occupied.  Our  forces  had  scarcely  retired  from  their 
advanced  position  in  the  city,  when  we  heard  the  commencement 
of  the  attack  of  the  division  under  General  Worth  on  the  opposite 
side  of  the  town.  The  force  under  my  command  had  been  en 
gaged  from  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning  to  three  P.  M.  It  should 
be  recorded,  to  the  credit  of  the  volunteer  troops,  that  the  greater 
portion  of  them  had  been  without  sustenance  since  the  morning  of 
the  22d,  and  exposed  throughout  the  very  inclement  and  rainy  night 
of  the  22d,  to  severe  duly,  without  blankets  or  overcoats,  and  yet 
not  a  msrmur  was  heard  among  them — their  alacrity  remained  un 
abated  to  the  last  moment.  The  character  of  this  affair,  the  troops 
being  necessarily  separated  into  many  small  parties,  gave  frequent 
occasion  to  the  exhibition  of  individual  courage  and  daring.  The 
instances  occurred  so  frequently,  in  which  both  officers  and  men 
distinguished  themselves,  that  to  recount  those  which  fell  under  my  i 
own  observation,  or  which  were  brought  to  my  notice  by  officers, 
would  extend  this  report  to  an  improper  length.  It  is  rny  duty  and 
pleasure  to  mention  the  fact,  that  the  veteran,  General  Lamar,  of 
Texas,  joined  my  command  as  a  volunteer  in  the  commencement 
of  the  attack  on  the  city,  and  by  his  counsel  and  example  aided  and 
encouraged  the  troops.  Major  E.  R.  Price,  of  Natchez,  and  Cap 
tain  J.  R.  Smith,  of  Louisiana,  both  from  the  recently  disbanded 
Louisiana  troops,  acted  with  distinguished  bravery  as  volunteers  in 
Colonel  Davis's  regiment." 

General  Gluitman  performed  much  laborious  service  before  Vera 


88  MAJOR-GENERAL    QUITMAN. 

Cruz,  but  was  not  in  the  battle  of  Sierra  Gordo.  But  his  mili 
tary  fame  rests  principally  upon  the  battles  before  the  Mexican 
capital.  In  these  he  has  wrought  himself  an  undying  reputation, 
which  has  placed  him  before  our  people  as  one  of  the  ablest  of 
their  commanders.  He  accompanied  the  army  in  its  march  from 
Puebla  toward  the  capital,  but  was  not  actively  concerned  in  the 
battles  of  the  19th  and  20th  of  August.  He  was  one  of  the  com 
missioners  who  negotiated  the  armistice,  and  on  the  recommence 
ment  of  hostilities,  was  in  continued  action  until  the  fall  of  the 
capital.  His  report  is  as  follows  :  — 

"  The  general-in-chief,  having  concluded  to  carry  the  strong  for 
tress  of  Chapultepec,  and  through  it  advance  upon  the  city,  ordered 
me,  on  the  llth,  to  move  my  division,  after  dark,  from  its  position 
at  Coyoacan  to  Tacubaya.  *  *  * 

"Two  batteries  had  been  erected  during  the  night.  My  division 
being  intended  to  support  these  batteries,  and  to  advance  to  the 
attack  by  the  direct  road  from  Tacubaya  to  the  fortress,  was  placed 
in  position  near  battery  No.  1,  early  on  the  morning  of  the  12th  — 
detachments  from  its  left  extending  to  the  support  of  battery  No.  2. 
At  seven  o'clock,  the  guns  —  two  sixteen-pounders  and  an  eight- 
inch  howitzer  —  were  placed  in  battery  No.  1,  in  position  so 
as  to  rake  the  road,  sweep  the  adjoining  grounds,  and  have 
a  direct  fire  upon  the  enemy's  batteries  and  the  fortress  of  Chapul 
tepec. 

"Our  fire  was  then  opened  and  maintained  with  good  effect 
throughout  the  day,  under  the  direction  of  that  excellent  and 
lamented  officer,  Captain  Drum,  of  the  4th  artillery,  zealously  aided 
by  Lieutenants  Benjamin  and  Porter,  of  his  company.  The  fire 
was  briskly  returned  from  the  castle  with  round  shot,  shells  and 
grape.  During  the  day,  I  succeeded,  under  cover  of  our  batteries, 
in  making  an  important  reconnoissance  of  the  grounds  and  works 
immediately  at  the  base  of  the  castle,  a  rough  sketch  of  which  was 
made  by  my  aid,  Lieutenant  Lovel,  on  the  ground.  This  disclosed 
to  us  two  batteries  of  the  enemy  —  one  on  the  road  in  front  of  us, 
mounting  four  guns,  and  the  other  a  flanking  work  of  one  gun,  ca 
pable  also  of  sweeping  the  low  grounds  on  the  left  of  the  road,  and 
between  it  and  the  base  of  the  hill. 

"The  supporting  party  on  this  reconnoissance  was  commanded 
by  the  late  Major  Twiggs,  of  the  marines,  and  sustained  during  the 


STORMING    OF    CHAPULTEPEC.  89 

observation  a  brisk  fire  from  the  batteries  and  small  arms  of  the 
enemy,  who,  when  the  party  were  retiring,  came  out  of  the  works 
in  large  numbers ;  and  although  repeatedly  checked  by  the  fire  of 
our  troops,  continued  to  advance  as  the  supporting  party  retired, 
until  they  were  dispersed,  with  considerable  loss,  by  several  dis 
charges  of  canister  from  the  guns  of  Captain  Drum's  battery,  and  a 
well-directed  fire  from  the  right  of  the  2d  Pennsylvania  regiment, 
posted  on  the  flank  of  the  battery  for  its  support.  Our  loss  in  this 
affair  was  seven  men  wounded  ;  but  the  information  gained  was  of 
incalculable  advantage  to  the  operations  of  the  succeeding  day.  In 
the  evening,  Captain  Drum's  company  was  relieved  by  Lieutenant 
Andrews'  company,  3d  artillery,  by  whom  a  steady  and  well-directed 
fire  was  kept  up  from  the  battery,  until  the  fortress  could  no  longer 
be  seen  in  the  darkness.  During  the  day,  my  command  was  rein 
forced  by  a  select  battalion  from  General  Twiggs'  division,  intended 
as  a  storming  party,  consisting  of  thirteen  officers  and  two  hundred 
and  fifty  men  and  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates,  chosen 
for  this  service  out  of  the  rifles,  1st  and  4th  regiments  of  artillery, 
and  the  2d,  3d,  and  7th  regiments  of  infantry  —  all  under  the  com 
mand  of  Captain  Silas  Casey,  2d  infantry. 

"  Having  received  instructions  from  the  general-in-chief  to  pre 
vent,  if  possible,  reinforcements  from  being  thrown  into  Chapultepec 
during  the  night,  Captain  Paul  of  the  7th  infantry,  with  a  detach 
ment  of  fifty  men,  was  directed  to  establish  an  advanced  picket  on 
the  road  to  Chapultepec.  During  the  night  a  brisk  skirmish  oc 
curred  between  this  detachment  and  the  advanced  posts  of  the 
enemy,  which  resulted  in  driving  back  the  enemy ;  but,  apprehen 
sive  that  this  demonstration  was  intended  to  cover  the  passage  of 
reinforcements  into  Chapultepec,  I  ordered  Lieutenant  Andrews  to 
advance  a  piece  of  artillery  and  rake  the. road  with  several  discharges 
of  canister.  This  was  promptly  executed,  and  during  the  remainder 
of  the  night  there  were  no  appearances  of  movements  in  the  enemy's 
lines.  During  the  night,  the  platforms  of  battery  No.  1  were  repaired, 
under  the  direction  of  Lieutenant  Tower,  of  engineers,  who  had^re- 
ported  to  me  for  duty,  and  a  new  battery  for  one  gun  established  in 
advance  of  No.  1  a  short  distance,  by  Lieutenant  Hammond,  of 
General  Shields'  staff. 

"  The  protection  of  battery  No.  2,  which  was  completed  on  the 
morning  of  the  12th,  under  direction  of  Captain  Huger,  was  in 
8* 


90  MAJOR-GENERAL    QUITMAN. 

trusted  to  Brigadier-General  Shields.  This  battery,  after  the  guns 
had  been  placed,  opened  and  maintained  a  steady  fire  upon  the 
castle,  under  the  skilful  direction  of  that  experienced  officer,  Lieu 
tenant  Hagner,  of  ordnance. 

"At  dawn,  on  the  morning  of  the  13th,  the  batteries  again  open 
ed  an  active  and  effective  fire  upon  the  castle,  which  was  returned 
by  the  enemy  with  spirit  and  some  execution,  disabling  for  a  time 
the  eighteen-pounder  in  battery  No.  1,  and  killing  one  of  the  men 
at  the  guns. 

"  During  this  cannonade,  active  preparations  were  made  for  the 
assault  upon  the  castle.  Ladders,  pickaxes,  and  crows  were  placed 
in  the  hands  of  a  pioneer  storming  party  of  select  men  from  the  vo 
lunteer  division,  under  command  of  Captain  Reynolds  of  the  marine 
corps,  to  accompany  the  storming  party  of  one  hundred  and  twenty 
men,  which  had  been  selected  from  all  corps  of  the  same  division, 
and  placed  under  the  command  of  Major  Twiggs,  of  the  marines. 
Captain  Drum  had  again  relieved  Lieutenant  Andrews  at  the  guns, 
retaining  from  the  command  of  the  latter  Sergeant  Davidson  and 
eight  men  to  man  an  eight-pounder,  which  it  was  intended  to  carry 
forward  to  operate  on  the  enemy's  batteries  in  front  of  us;  and,  to 
relieve  the  command  from  all  danger  of  attack  on  our  right  flank 
from  reinforcements  which  might  come  from  the  city,  that  well-tried 
and  accomplished  officer,  Brevet  Brigadier-General  Smith,  with  his 
well-disciplined  brigade,  had  reported  to  me  for  orders.  He  was 
instructed  to  move~  in  reserve  on  the  right  flank  of  the  assaulting 
column,  protect  it  from  skirmishers,  or  more  serious  attack  in  that 
quarter;  and,  if  possible,  on  the  assault,  cross  the  aqueduct  leading 
to  the  city,  turn  the  enemy,  and  cut  off  his  retreat.  Those  disposi 
tions  being  made,  ihe  whole  command,  at  the  signal  preconcerted 
by  the  general-in-chief,  with  enthusiasm  and  full  of  confidence  ad 
vanced  to  the  attack.  At  the  base  of  the  hill,  constituting  a  part  of 
the  works  of  the  fortress  of  Chapultepec,  and  directly  across  our  line 
of  advance,  were  the  strong  batteries  before  described,  flanked  on 
the*right  by  some  strong  buildings,  and  by  a  heavy  stone  wall  about 
fifteen  feet  high,  which  extended  around  the  base  of  the  hill  towards 
the  west.  Within  two  hundred  yards  of  these  batteries  were  some 
dilapidated  buildings,  which  afforded  a  partial  cover  to  our  advance. 
Between  these  and  the  wall  extended  a  low  meadow,  the  long  grass 
of  which  concealed  a  number  of  wet  ditches  by  which  it  was  inter- 


STORMING   OF   CHAPULTEPEC.  91 

sected.  To  this  point  the  command,  partially  screened,  advanced 
by  a  flank,  the  storming  parties  in  front,  under  a  heavy  fire  from 
the  fortress,  the  batteries,  and  breastworks  of  the  enemy.  The  ad 
vance  was  here  halted  under  the  partial  cover  of  the  ruins,  and  upon 
the  arrival  of  the  heads  of  the  South  Carolina  and  New  York  regi 
ments,  respectively,  General  Shields  was  directed  to  move  them 
obliquely  to  the  left,  across  the  low  ground,  to  the  wall  at  the  base 
of  the  hill.  Encouraged  by  the  gallant  general  who  had  led  them 
to  victory  at  Churubusco,  and  in  spite  of  the  obstacles  which  they 
had  to  encounter  in  wading  through  several  deep  ditches,  exposed 
to  a  severe  and  galling  fire  from  the  enemy,  these  tried  regiments 
promptly  executed  the  movement,  and  effected  a  lodgement  at  the 
wall.  The  same  order  was  given  to  Lieutenant-Colonel  Geary,  and 
executed  by  his  regiment  with  equal  alacrity  and  success.  These 
dispositions,  so  necessary  to  the  final  assault  upon  the  works,  were 
not  made  without  some  loss.  In  directing  the  advance,  Brigadier- 
General  Shields  was  severely  wounded  in  the  arm.  No  persuasions, 
however,  could  induce  that  officer  to  leave  his  command,  or  quit  the 
field.  The  brave  Captain  Van  O'Linden,  of  the  New  York  regi 
ment,  was  killed  at  the  head -of  his  company.  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Baxter,  of  the  same  regiment,  a  valuable  and  esteemed  officer,  while 
gallantly  leading  his  command,  fell  mortally  wounded  near  the  wall. 
And  Lieutenant-Colonel  Geary,  2d  Pennsylvania  regiment,  was  for 
a  time  disabled  from  command  by  a  severe  contusion  from  a  spent 
ball. 

"  In  the  mean  time,  Brigadier-General  Smith  on  our  right  was 
driving  back  skirmishing  parties  of  the  enemy  ;  Lieutenant  Benja 
min,  from  battery  No.  1,  was  pouring  shot  after  shot  into  the  fortress 
and  woods  on  the  slope  of  the  hill ;  and  Lieutenant  H.  J.  Hunt,  2d 
artillery,  who  had  on  the  advance  reported  to  me  with  a  section  of 
Duncan's  battery,  had  obtained  a  favourable  position  in  our  rear, 
from  which  he  threw  shells  and  shrapnal  shot  into  the  Mexican  lines 
with  good  effect.  Perceiving  that  all  the  preliminary  dispositions 
were  made,  Major  Gladden,  with  his  regiment,  having  passed  the 
wall  by  breaching  it,  the  New  York  and  Pennsylvania  regiments 
having  entered  over  an  abandoned  battery  on  their  left,  and  the  bat 
talion  of  marines  being  posted  to  support  the  storming  parties,  I  or 
dered  the  assault  at  all  points. 

"  The  storming  parties,  led  by  the  gallant  officers  who  had  volun- 


92  MAJOR-GENERAL   QUITMAN. 

teered  for  this  desperate  service,  rushed  forward  like  a  resistless 
tide.  The  Mexicans  behind  their  batteries  and  breastworks  'stood 
with  more  than  usual  firmness.  For  a  short  time  the  contest  was 
land-to-hand ;  swords  and  bayonets  were  crossed,  and  rifles  clubbed. 
Resistance,  however,  was  vain  against  the  desperate  valour  of  our 
brave  troops.  The  batteries  and  strong  works  were  carried,  and  the 
ascent  of  Chapultepec  on  that  side  laid  open  to  an  easy  conquest. 
In  these  works  were  taken  seven  pieces  of  artillery,  one  thousand 
muskets,  and  five  hundred  and  fifty  prisoners  —  of  whom  one  hun 
dred  were  officers  —  among  them,  one  general  and  ten  colonels. 

"  The  gallant  Captain  Casey  having  been  disabled  by  a  severe 
wound,  directly  before  the  batteries,  the  command  of  the  storming 
party  of  regulars  in  the  assault  devolved  on  Captain  Paul,  7th  in 
fantry,  who  distinguished  himself  for  his  bravery.  In  like  manner 
the  command  of  the  storming  party  from  the  volunteer  division  de 
volved  on  Captain  James  Miller,  of  the  2d  Pennsylvania  regiment, 
by  the  death  of  its  chief,  the  brave  and  lamented  Major  Twiggs, 
of  the  marine  corps,  who  fell  on  the  first  advance  at  the  head  of  his 
command. 

"  Simultaneously  with  these  movements  on  our  right,  the  volun 
teer  regiments,  with  equal  alacrity  and  intrepidity,  animated  by  a 
generous  emulation,  commenced  the  ascent  of  the  hill  on  the  south 
side.  Surmounting  every  obstacle,  and  fighting  their  way,  they 
fell  in  and  mingled  with  their  brave  brethren  in  arms,  who  formed 
the  advance  of  Major-General  Pillow's  column.  Side  by  side, 
amid  the  storm  of  battle,  the  rival  colours  of  the  two  commands 
struggled  up  the  steep  ascent,  entered  the  fortress*  and  reached  the 
buildings  used  as  a  military  college,  which  crowned  its  summit. 
Here  was  a  short  pause ;  but  soon  the  flag  of  Mexico  was  lowered, 
and  the  stars  and  stripes  of  our  country  floated  from  the  heights  of 
Chapultepec,  high  above  the  heads  of  the  brave  men  who  had 
planted  them  there.  The  gallant  New  York  regiment  claims  for 
their  standard  the  honour  of  being  the  first  waved  from  the  battle 
ments  of  Chapultepec.  The  veteran  Mexican  general,  Bravo,  with 
a  number  of  officers  and  men,  were  taken  prisoners  in  the  castle. 
They  fell  into  the  hands  of  Lieutenant  Charles  Brower,  of  the  New 
York  regiment,  who  reported  them  to  me.  The  loss  of  the  enemy 
was  severe,  especially  on  the  eastern  side,  adjoining  the  batteries 
taken.  It  should  also  be  mentioned,  that,  at  the  assault  upon  the 


ADVANCE  ON  THE  CAPITAL.  93 

works,  Lieutenant  Frederick  Steele,  2d  infantry,  with  a  portion  of 
the  storming  party,  advanced  in  front  of  the  batteries  towards  the 
left,  there  scaled  the  outer  wall  through  a  breach  near  the  top,  made 
by  a  cannon-shot,  ascended  the  hill  directly  in  his  front,  and  was 
among  the  first  upon  the  battlements.  The  young  and  promising 
Lieutenant  Levi  Gantt,  7th  infantry,  was  of  this  party.  He  had 
active  ly'participated  in  almost  every  battle  since  the  opening  of  the 
war,  but  was  destined  here  to  find  a  soldier's  grave. 

"After  giving  the  necessary  directions  for  the  safe-keeping  of  the 
prisoners  taken  by  my  command,  and  ordering  the  several  corps  to 
form  near  the  aqueduct,  I  hastily  ascended  the  hill,  for  the  purpose 
of  reconnoitring  the  positions  of  the  enemy  in  advance  towards  the 
city.  I  there  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  Major-General  Pillow, 
who,  although  seriously  wounded,  had  been  carried  to  the  heights 
to  enjoy  the  triumph  in  which  he  and  his  brave  troops  had  so  largely 
shared. 

"  Perceiving  large  bodies  of  the  enemy  at  the  several  batteries  on 
the  direct  road  leading  from  Chapultepec  to  the  city,-  by  the  garita 
or  gate  of  Belen,  my  whole  command,  after  being  supplied  with 
ammunition,  was  ordered  to  be  put  in  readiness  to  march  by  that 
route.  When  the  batteries  were  taken,  the  gallant  rifle  regiment, 
which  had  been  deployed  by  General  Smith  on  the  right  of  his  bri 
gade,  formed  under  the  arches  of  the  aqueduct  in  position  to  ad 
vance  by  the  Chapultepec  or  Tacubaya  road.  As  the  remainder 
of  General  Smith's  brigade  came  up  from  their  position  in  reserve, 
that  officer,  with  his  usual  foresight,  caused  them  to  level  the  para 
pets  and  fill  the  ditches  which  obstructed  the  road  where  the  enemy's 
batteries  had  been  constructed,  so  as  to  permit  the  passage  of  the 
heavy  artillery,  which  was  ordered  up  by  the  general-in-chief  im 
mediately  upon  his  arrival  at  the  batteries.  In  the  mean  time, 
while  General  Shields,  with  the  assistance  of  his  and  my  staff  offi 
cers,  was  causing  the  deficient  ammunition  to  be  supplied,  and  the 
troops  to  be  formed  for  the  advance.  Captain  Drum,  supported  by 
the  rifle  regiment,  had  taken  charge  of  one  of  the  enemy's  pieces, 
and  was  advancing  towards  the  first  battery  occupied  by  the  enemy, 
on  the  road  towards  the  city  in  our  front. 

"  The  Chapultepec  road  is  a  broad  avenue,  flanked  with  deep 
ditches  and  marshy  grounds  on  either  side.  Along  the  middle  of 
this  avenue  runs  the  aqueduct,  supported  by  arches  of  heavy  ma- 


94  MAJOR-GENERAL   QUITMAN. 

sonry,  through  the  garita  or  gate  of  Belen  into  the  city.  The  rifles, 
supported  by  the  South  Carolina  regiment,  and  followed  by  the  re 
mainder  of  Smith's  brigade,  were  now  advanced,  from  arch  to  arch, 
towards  another  strong  battery  which  had  been  thrown  across  the 
road,  about  a  mile  from  Chapultepec,  having  four  embrasures  with 
a  redan  work  on  the  right. 

"  At  this  point,  the  enemy  in  considerable  force  made  an  obstinate 
resistance ;  but,  with  the  aid  of  the  effective  fire  of  an  eight-inch 
howitzer,  directed  by  the  indefatigable  Captain  Drum,  and  the  daring 
bravery  of  the  gallant  rifle  regiment,  it  was  carried  by  assault.  The 
column  was  here  reorganized  for  an  attack  upon  the  batteries  at  the 
garita  of  the  city.  The  regiment  of  riflemen,  intermingled  with 
the  bayonets  "of  the  South  Carolina  regiment,  were  placed  in  the 
advance — three  rifles  and  three  bayonets  under  each  arch.  They 
were  supported  by  the  residue  of  Shields'  brigade,  the  2d  Pennsyl 
vania  regiment,  and  the  remainder  of  Smith's  brigade,  together  with 
a  part  of  the  6th  infantry,  under  Major  Bonneville,  who  had  fallen 
into  this  road.  In  this  order,  the  column  resolutely  advanced  from 
arch  to  arch  of  the  aqueduct,  under  a  tremendous  fire  of  artillery 
and  small  arms  from  the  batteries  at  the  garita,  the  Paseo,  and  a 
large  body  of  the  enemy  on  the  Piedad  road  to  the  right,  extending 
from  the  left  of  the  garita. 

"Lieutenant  Benjamin  having  brought  up  a  sixteen-pounder, 
Captain  Drum  and  his  efficient  subalterns  were  pouring  a  constant 
and  destructive  fire  into  the  garita.  As  the  enfilading  fire  of  the 
enemy  from  the  Piedad  road  became  very  annoying  to  the  advance 
of  the  column,  a  few  rounds  of  canister  were  thrown  by  our  artil 
lery  in  that  direction,  which  effectually  dispersed  them.  The  whole 
column  was  now  under  a  galling  fire,  but  it  continued  to  move  for 
ward  steadily  and  firmly.  The  rifles,  well  sustained  by  the  South 
Carolinians,  gallantly  pushed  on  to  the  attack ;  and  at  twenty  mi 
nutes  past  one  the  garita  was  carried,  and  the  city  of  Mexico  entered 
at  that  point.  In  a  few  moments  the  whole  command  was  com 
pactly  up— a  large  part  of  it  within  the  garita. 

'*  The  obstinacy  of  the  defence  at  the  garita  may  be  accounted 
for  by  our  being  opposed  at  that  point  by  General  Santa  Anna  in 
person,  who  is  said  to  have  retreated  by  the  Paseo  to  the  San  Cosme 
road,  there  to  try  his  fortune  against  General  Worth. 

"  On  our  approach  to  the  garita,  a  body  of  the  enemy  who  were 


GARITA   OF   BELEN    CARRIED.  9t> 

seen  on  a  cross  road  threatening  our  left,  were  dispersed  by  a  brisk 
fire  of  artillery  from  the  direction  of  the  San  Cosme  road.  I  take 
pleasure  in  acknowledging  that  this  seasonable  aid  came  from  Lieu 
tenant-Colonel  Duncan's  battery,  which  had  been  kindly  advanced 
from  the  San  Cosme  road  in  that  direction  by  General  Worth's 
orders. 

"  Upon  the  taking  of  the  garita,  the  riflemen  and  South  Caro 
lina  regiment  rushed  forward  and  occupied  the  arches  of  the  aque 
duct,  within  a  hundred  yards  of  the  citadel.  The  ammunition  of 
our  heavy  guns  having  been  expended,  a  captured  eight-pounder 
was  turned  upon  the  enemy,  and  served  with  good  effect  until  the 
ammunition  taken  with  it  was  also  expended.  The  piece,  support 
ed  by  our  advance,  had  been  run  forward  in  front  of  the  garita. 
Twice  had  Major  Gladden,  of  the  South  Carolina  regiment,  furnish 
ed  additional  men  to  work  the  gun,  when  the  noble  and  brave  Cap 
tain  Drum,  who,  with  indomitable  energy  and  iron  nerve,  had  di 
rected  the  artillery  throughout  this  trying  day,  fell  mortally  wounded 
by  the  side  of  his  gun.  A  few  moments  afterwards,  Lieutenant 
Benjamin,  who  had  displayed  the  same  cool,  decided  courage,  met 
a  similar  fate. 

"  The  enemy,  now  perceiving  that  our  heavy  ammunition  had 
been  expended,  redoubled  their  exertions  to  drive  us  out'-  of  the 
lodgement  we  had  effected.  A  terrible  fire  of  artillery  and  small 
arms  was  opened  from  the  citadel,  three  hundred  yards  distant,  from 
the  batteries  on  the  Paseo,  and  the  buildings  on  our  right  in  front. 
Amid  this  iron  shower,  which  swept  the  road  on  both  sides  of  the 
aqueduct,  it>  was  impossible  to  bring  forward  ammunition  for  our 
large  guns.  While  awaiting  the  darkness  to  bring  up  our  great 
guns  and  place  them  in  battery,  the  enemy,  under  cover  of  their 
guns,  attempted  several  sallies  from  the  citadel  and  buildings  on  the 
right,  but  were  readily  repulsed  by  the  skirmishing  parties  of  rifles 
and  infantry.  To  prevent  our  flank  from  being  enfiladed  by  mus 
ketry  from  the  Paseo,  Captains  Naylor  and  Loeser,  2d  Pennsyl 
vania  regiment,  were  ordered  with  their  companies  to  a  low  sand 
bag  defence,  about  a  hundred  yards  in  that  direction.  They  gallantly 
took  this  position,  and  held  it  in  the  face  of  a  severe  fire  until  the 
object  was  attained. 

"At  night  the  fire  of  the  enemy  ceased.  Lieutenant  Tower,  of 
the  engineers,  who  before  and  at  the  attack  upon  the  batteries  at 


UO  MAJOR-GENERAL    QUITMAN. 

Chapultepec  had  given  important  aid,  had  been  seriously  wounded. 
It  was  therefore  fortunate  that,  in  the  commencement  of  the  route 
to  the  city,  Lieutenant  Beauregard,  of  engineers,  joined  me.  1  was 
enabled,  during  the  day,  to  avail  myself  of  his  valuable  services ; 
and,  although  disabled  for  a  time  by  a  wound  received  during  the 
day,  he  superintended,  during  the  whole  night,  the  erection  of  two 
batteries  within  the  garita  for  our  heavy  guns,  and  a  breastwork  on 
our  right  for  infantry,  which,  with  his  advice,  I  had  determined  to 
construct.  Before  the  dawn  of  day,  by  the  persevering  exertions 
of  Captains  Fairchild  and  Taylor,  of  the  New  York  regiment,  who 
directed  the  working  parties,  the  parapets  were  completed,  and  a 
twenty-four-pounder,  and  eighteen-pounder,  and  eight-inch  howitzer 
placed  in  battery  by  Captain  Steptoe,  3d  artillery,  who,  to  my  great 
satisfaction,  had  rejoined  my  command  in  the  evening.  The  heavy 
labour  required  to  construct  these  formidable  batteries,  under  the 
very  guns  of  the  citadel,  was  performed  with  the  utmost  cheerful 
ness  by  the  gallant  men  whose  strong  arms  and  stout  hearts  had  al 
ready  been  tested  in  two  days  of  peril  and  toil. 

"  During  the  night,  while  at  the  trenches,  Brigadier-General  Pierce 
—one  of  whose  regiments  (the  9th  infantry)  had  joined  my  column 
during  the  day — reported  to  me  in  person.  He  was  instructed  to 
place  that  regiment  in  reserve  at  the  battery  in  rear,  for  the  protec 
tion  of  Steptoe's  light  battery  and  the  ammunition  at  that  point. 
The  general  has  my  thanks  for  his  prompt  attention  to  these  orders. 

"At  dawn  of  day  on  the  14th,  when  Captain  Steptoe  was  pre 
paring  his  heavy  missiles,  a  white  flag  came  from  the  citadel,  the 
bearers  of  which  invited  me  to  take  possession  of  this  fortress,  and 
gave  me  the  intelligence  that  the  city  had  been  abandoned  by 
Santa  Anna  and  his  army.  My  whole  command  was  immediately 
ordered  under  arms.  By  their  own  request,  Lieutenants  Lovell  and 
Beauregard  were  authorized  to  go  to  the  citadel,  in  advance,  to  as 
certain  the  truth  of  the  information.  At  a  signal  from  the  ramparts, 
the  column,  General  Smith's  brigade  in  front,  and  the  South  Caro 
lina  regiment  left  in  garrison  at  the  garita,  marched  into  the  citadel. 
Having  taken  possession  of  this  work,  in  which  we  found  fifteen 
pieces  of  cannon  mounted  and  as  many  not  up,  with  the  extensive 
military  armaments  which  it  contained,  the  2d  Pennsylvania  regi 
ment  was  left  to  garrison  it.  Understanding  that  great  depredations 
going  on  in  the  palace  and  public  buildings,  I  moved  the 


APPOINTED   MILITARY    GOVERNOR,  97 

column  in  that  direction  in  the  same  order,  followed  by  Captain 
Steptoe's  light  battery,  through  the  principal  streets  into  the  great 
plaza,  where  it  was  formed  in  front  of  the  National  Palace.  Cap 
tain  Roberts,  of  the  rifle  regiment,  who  had  led  the  advance  com 
pany  of  the  storming  party  at  Chapultepec,  and  had  greatly  dis 
tinguished  himself  during  the  preceding  day,  was  detailed  by  me 
to  plant  the  star-spangled  banner  of  our  country  upon  the  National 
Palace.  The  flag,  the  first  strange  banner  which  had  ever  waved 
over  that  palace  since  the  conquest  of  Cortez,  vyas  displayed  and 
saluted  with  enthusiasm  by  the  whole  command.  The  palace,  al 
ready  crowded  with  Mexican  thieves  and  robbers,  was  placed  in 
charge  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Watson,  with  his  battalion  of  marines. 
By  his  active  exertions  it  was  soon  cleared  and  guarded  from  further 
spoliation. 

"  On  our  first  arrival  in  the  plaza,  Lieutenant  Beauregard  was 
dispatched  to  report  the  facts  to  the  gerieral-in-chief,  who  was  ex 
pected  to  enter  the  city  by  the  Alameda,  with  the  column  under 
General  Worth.  About  eight  o'clock  the  general-in-chief  arrived 
in  the  plaza,  and  was  received  and  greeted  with  enthusiasm  by  the 
troops.  The  populace,  who  had  begun  to  be  turbulent  immediately 
after  our  arrival  in  the  plaza,  appeared  for  a  time  to  be  checked ; 
but,  in  one  hour  afterwards,  as  our  troops  began  to  disperse  for  quar 
ters,  they  were  fired  upon  from  the  tops  of  houses  and  windows. 
This  continued  that  day  and  the  succeeding,  until,  by  the  timely 
and  vigorous  measures  adopted  by  the  general-in-chief,  the  disturb 
ances  were  quelled." 

Here  follows  a  list  of  the  officers  who  particularly  distinguished 
themselves. 

After  the  surrender  of  the  city,  General  Scott  immediately  ho 
noured  Gluitman  with  the  appointment  of  military  governor.  His 
manly,  dignified  bearing,  won  the  approbation  of  both  friends  and 
enemies,  and  his  plan  of  administration  is  said  to  have  been  admi 
rable. 

In  November,  General  Quitman  obtained  leave  of  absence,  in 
order  to  revisit  the  United  States.  His  parting  on  that  occasion 
with  the  brave  men  in  Mexico  is  thus  described  by  an  eye-witness : 

"  The  officers  of  the  division  having  assembled  together,  visited 
Genera]  Quitrnan  in  a  body,  when  Colonel  Burnett,  ol  New  York, 
9  S 


98  MAJOR-GENERAL   QUITMAN. 

on  behalf  of  himself  and  brother  officers,  addressed  him  in  a  perti 
nent  speech,  the  conclusion  of  which  was  as  follows  : 

"  *  We,  as  officers  of  your  division,  can  only  repay  you  upon  your 
sudden  departure  with  an  expression  of  our  feelings.  We  shall 
meet  you  again  after  the  war  as  fellow-citizens,  and  our  present 
sentiments  written  upon  our  hearts  as  upon  adamant,  will  lose  no 
thing  by  the  hand  of  time — uniting  then  with  a  gratified  people,  your 
present  sacrifices  may  be  somewhat  compensated  by  the  only  boon 
of  the  patriot — the  grateful  acknowledgments  of  your  country.  We 
shall  then  have  deposited  our  standards  with  the  authorities  of  our 
respective  states,  but  ever  ready  to  rally  under  our  victorious  ban 
ners  as  the  prestige  of  success,  and  ever  ready  to  be  directed  by  our 
gallant  general,  whom  we  now  part  with  as  a  father  and  a  friend.' 

"  This  speech  was  frequently  interrupted  by  the  company  pre 
sent,  who  expressed  their  approbation  of  the  sentiments  by  warm 
applause.  When  this  had  subsided,  General  Gluitman  replied  in 
substance  as  follows : 

"He  said  that  when  he  looked  around  him  and  found  himself  in 
the  presence  of  the  gallant  officers  who  had  participated  so  largely 
in  the  recent  brilliant  events  before  the  city,  and  heard  himself  ad 
dressed  by  the  senior  officer  of  the  division,  yet  leaning  upon  his 
honourable  crutch,  in  remarks  so  full  of  the  elegant  feeling  of  the 
heart,  he  was  overwhelmed  with  emotion,  and  felt  himself  wholly 
unable  to  do  justice  to  the  occasion.  Circumstances  had  rendered 
it  necessary  as  a  matter  of  high  duty  that  he  should  apply  to  the 
proper  authority  for  some  permanent  assignment  to  duty,  where  he 
might  be  best  enabled  to  serve  his  country.  Had  he  consulted  per 
sonal  feeling  merely,  he  would  have  been  gratified  to  remain  with 
the  brave  associates  of  his  cares,  his  perils  and  fortunes  in  war,  but 
he  regarded  it  the  soldier's  part  to  seek  the  path  where  duty  called 
him.  That  path  now  separated  him  from  the  gallant  officers  and 
men  to  whose  good  conduct  and  services  he  took  this  occasion  to 
say  he  felt  himself  wholly  indebted  for  whatever  reputation  or 
honour  he  might  have  acquired  in  this  campaign.  It  was  theirs, 
not  his.  They  were  entitled  to  his  regard,  his  esteem  and  his 
friendship.  He  would  bear  these  feelings  with  him  wherever  his 
lot  should  be  cast. 

"  In  conclusion,  he  expressed  his  heartfelt  regret  at  his  separation 
from  them,  and  hoped  that  they  would  receive  for  themselves,  and 


RECEPTION   ON   ARRIVING   AT   NATCHEZ.  99 

bear  to  the  gallant  rank  and  file  under  their  commands,  his  friendly 
farewell. 

"After  General  Gluitman  had  concluded,  Captain  Hutton,  of  the 
New  York  regiment,  rose  and  presented  Captain  G.  T.  M.  Davis 
an  elegant  pair  of  silver  spurs,  accompanying  the  gift  with  a  brief 
but  extremely  apropos  speech.  Captain  Davis  made  an  appropriate 
reply." 

The  following  is  a  description  of  the  festivities  attending  his  arri 
val  at  Natchez,  the  place  of  his  family  residence : 

"  Our  Gluitman  is  at  home  and  with  us ;  so  excuse  any  high- 
flown  exhibition  of  our  feelings  of  intense  pleasure,  pride,  and  tri 
umph.  Oh !  had  you  been  here  but  yesterday  morning,  when  that 
veteran  cannoneer,  Captain  James  C.  Fox,  so  well  known  in  your 
« city  of  the  Delta'  as  one  of  the  most  accomplished  of  the  Natchez 
firemen,  let  off  those  loud-mouthed  Mexican  trophy-cannon,  captured 
at  Alvarado,  and  presented  to  General  Gluitman  with  the  permission 
of  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  by  Commodore  Perry.  They  are 
two  long  twelves,  of  a  most  excellent  composition,  originally  in 
tended  for  bow-chasers  in  the  naval  service.  One  was  made  in 
Barcelona,  old  Spain,  in  1768,  and  bears  the  name  of  El  Sosto,  and 
the  other  the  name  of  El  Orion.  There  was  a  sublimity  in  making 
these  trophy-cannon  announce  that  the  hour  of  welcome  to  our  vic 
torious  general  had  come  ;  and  well  did  Fox  instruct  them  how  to 
roar  out  a  welcome  to  *  the  free*  in  *  the  home  of  the  brave.1 
General  Q,uitman's  mansion,  called  '  Monmouth,'  nestles  in  a  beau 
tiful  grove  in  the  environs  of  Natchez,  only  about  a  mile  from  the 
centre  of  the  city.  A  thrill  of  joy,  precious  as  love  and  the  idolatry 
of  the  affections  could  make  it,  must  have  pervaded  the  bosoms  of 
his  lovely  and  accomplished  family,  as  the  air  vibrated  around  their 
home  with  the  cannon-bursts,  and  the  swell  of  music  and  the  roar 
of  the  stirred  city  broke  upon  their  ears. 

"  Doctor  Blackburn,  a  noble-looking  and  chivalrous  Kentuckian, 
now  captain  of  the  « Natchez  Fencibles,'  was  the  chief  marshal, 
assisted  by  General  Smith,  Messrs.  Andrew  McCreery,  S.  Win 
ston,  and  General  R.  Stanton.  A  large  and  imposing  procession 
of  military,  led  by  the  renowned  'Kendall's  Brass  Band,  from 
•  Spalding's  monster  Circus,'  now  here,  the  masonic  fraternity,  sur 
vivors  of  the  battle  of  New  Orleans,  invited  guests,  &c.,  was  soon  in 
motion  for  Monmouth,  where  they  received  Major-General  Gluitman 


100  MAJOR-GENERAL   QUITMAN. 

and  his  staff;  consisting  of  Major  E.  R.  Price,  of  the  2d  Mississippi 
rifles ;  Captain  Douglass  Cooper,  of  the  1st  Mississippi  rifles,  and 
Lieutenant  Keiger,  of  the  volunteers.  The  moment  of  the  move 
ment  of  the  procession  was  announced  by  Captain  R.  Fitzpatrick, 
from  a  new  brass  piece  of  state  artillery,  named  *  duitman,'  and 
carried  in  the  procession.  It  was  answered  by  Captain  Fox,  from 
his  stationary  battery  on  the  Esplanade,  who  kept  up  a  running 
cannon-accompaniment  during  the  whole  progress  to  the  city. 
When  the  procession  came  proudly  down  Main  street  and  halted 
opposite  the  City  Hotel,  the  coup  cVceil  was  most  imposing  —  ban 
ners  waved  over  the  street,  every  balcony  and  window,  and  even  the 
roofs  were  filled  with  ladies  and  children,  while  the  street  below, 
far  and  near,  was  choked  with  the  plumed  soldiery  and  the  dense 
masses  of  citizens.  The  civic  welcome  to  Gluitman,  amidst  thun 
ders  of  applause,  was  pronounced  by  the  young  and  eloquent  Mar 
tin,  the  district  attorney  for  this  circuit.  Colonel  A.  L.  Bingaman 
had  been  elected  the  orator  of  the  day,  but  his  unavoidable  absence 
to  New  Orleans  prevented  his  acceptance,  and  Martin,  as  well  as  any 
other  orator  could  have  done,  supplied  his  place.  Both  the  address 
and  Gluitman's  rejoinder  were  extemporaneous,  and  thrilled  the 
multitude  with  the  high  impulses  of  the  occasion.  How  wonderful, 
said  Martin,  is  it  that  the  very  city  (Natchez)  bearing  the  name  of 
a  noble  fragment  of  the  Aztec  race,  who,  in  some  convulsion  or 
other,  perhaps  to  avoid  the  murderous  sword  of  Cortez,  had  been 
expatriated  from  Mexico,  and  stood  on  the  bluff  where  their  proud 
name  still  remains — how  remarkable  was  it  that  from  the  very  ashes 
of  their  graves  there  should  have  risen  an  avenger  of  their  wrongs, 
and  that  our  Gluitman,  from  fair  Natchez,  had  been  deputed  by 
Providence  'to  spoil  the  spoiler!'  I  do  not  attempt  to  quote  his 
burning  language.  Gluitman's  reply  was  modest,  and  replete  with 
gratitude  to  his  fellow-citizens ;  filled  with  encomiums  upon  those 
great  masters  in  the  science  of  war  under  whom  he  had  served — 
Taylor  and  Scott  —  naming,  with  a  heart  full  of  affection,  not  only 
the  officers  with  whom  he  had  associated,  but  those  who  had  served 
under  his  orders,  and  in  particular  the  rank  and  file  of  the  army ; 
he  spoke  of  the  immense  mountain  of  prejudice  that  had  been  re 
moved  from  the  minds  of  the  regular  army  entertained  against  the 
volunteer  service,  and  trusted  that  the  American  name  now  stood 
far  higher  in  Europe  and  all  over  the  world,  in  consequence  of  the 


RECEPTION    ON    ARRIVING   AT    NATCHEZ.  101 

deeds  performed  in  Mexico  by  both  arms  of  the  service  —  the  regu 
lar  and  the  voluntary.  The  collation  now  invited  our  whole  popu 
lation —  ladies,  gentlemen  and  children— -to  a  participation;  and 
such  a  generous,  hearty,  abundant  *  feast  of  the  people'  was  rarely 
ever  seen.  The  cross-table  at  the  head  of  the  hall  was  most  luxu 
riously  spread,  and  was  the  table  of  welcome  to  General  Gluitman, 
his  staff,  the  invited  guests,  and  the  distinguished  individuals  com 
posing  the  committee  of  arrangements,  the  civic  authorities,  &c. 
Here  the  vitality  of  the  feast,  like  the  heart  in  the  human  body, 
kept  alive  the  longest ;  and  when  the  multitudinous  waves  of  the 
people  had  a  little  subsided,  fourteen  regular  toasts  were  drunk,  in 
cluding  the  President  of  the  United  States  ;  the  memory  of  Wash 
ington  ;  Generals  Scott,  Taylor,  Gluitman,  Colonel  Jefferson  Davis, 
Major  Ezra  R.  Price,  Captain  Douglass  H.  Cooper,  Lieutenants 
Keiger  and  Posey ;  our  gallant  army  in  Mexico ;  the  surviving 
heroes  of  the  war  of  1812,  and  American  mothers,  wives  and 
daughters.  General  Felix  Boston  being  absent,  sent  in  the  follow 
ing  volunteer  toast : 

"  General  John  A.  Quilman — '  Second  to  none  1'  Six  hours  be 
fore  any  other  chieftain,  he  fought  his  way  into  the  centre  of  Mon 
terey  ;  near  eight  hours  before  any  other  leader,  he  had  stormed  the 
Garita  and  entered  the  city  of  Mexico ;  the  first  to  plant  the  Stars 
and  the  Stripes  over  the  Halls  of  the  Montezumas  ! 

"  Charles  Reynolds,  Esq.,  gave  : 

"  Natchez — The  residence  of  Major-General  John  A.  Gluitman, 
the  first  Anglo-Saxon  governor  of  the  *  City  of  the  Aztecs !' 

«« Captain  James  C.  Fox  gave,  in  allusion  to  the  fact  that,  a  quar 
ter  of  a  century  ago,  General  Gluitman  organized  that  splendid  corps, 
the  Natchez  Fencibles,  and  was  their  first  captain : 

"  The  First  Captain  of  the  Fencibles  —  When  the  American 
cannon  and  rifle,  on  the  afternoon  of  September  13th,  roared  at  the 
Piedad  Gate,  Mexico  cried  out,  «  Who 's  dat  knocking  at  de  door  ?' 
The  answer  was,  John  A.  Gluitman,  a  Natchez  Fencible  ! 

"There  were  many  other  striking  sentiments  drunk,  among 
which  were  — 

"  That  •  Revel  in  the  Halls  of  the  Montezumas  /'  —  The  dream 
of  General  Samuel  Houston  realized  by  General  Gluitman. 

"  General  Quitman's  passage  along  the  Aqueduct  from  Chapnl- 
9* 


102  MAJOR-GENERAL   QUITMAN. 

tepee  to  the  Garita  de  Belen,  and  the  Piedad  Gate,  September  13, 
1847 — The  bridge  of  Lodi  in  American  history ! 

*'  General  Gluitman's  dinner-table  response  to  the  sentiment  in  his 
honour  was  most  happy.  He  spoke  of  his  unexpected  major-gene 
ralship  without  any  adequate  command,  but  was  too  much  of  an 
American  '  to  give  it  up  so  ;'  had,  temporarily,  commanded  soldiers 
from  nearly  every  state  in  the  Union — broken  and  wasted  regiments 
— fragments — the  odds  and  ends  of  commands — but  he  assured  the 
audience  that  when  he  commanded  such  officers  as  Generals  Smith 
and  Shields,  and  such  men  as  he  led  to  Chapultepec  and  the  Garita 
de  Belen,  they  were  butt-enders,  at  least ! 

"  Among  other  sentiments,  the  *  State  of  Kentucky'  was  toasted. 
In  response,  a  young  and  eloquent  lawyer,  now  settled  in  New  Orleans, 
Thomas  H.  Holt,  Esq.,  a  native  of  Old  Kentucky,  made  a  most 
eloquent  and  thrilling  speech,  which  was  received  with  tumultuous 
applause.  The  sentiment  which  called  him  out,  offered  by  J.  A. 
Van  Hoesen,  Esq.,  was :  — 

"  Old  Kentucky — The  battles  in  Mexico  attest  the  valour  of  her 
sons ! 

"  No  one  can  conceive  the  enthusiasm  which  the  eloquent  Holt 
called  up.  He  concluded  by  relating  an  anecdote  of  Madame  Q,uit- 
man,  the  wife  of  the  general ;  said  he :  When  the  brave  veteran 
was  bursting  open  things  at  Monterey,  some  neighbouring  ladies, 
thinking  that  Mrs.  Gluitman  must  feel  in  the  depths  of  sorrow  and 
affliction  at  such  terrible  doings,  went  to  condole  and  sympathize 
with  her — asking  her  if  she  had  not  dreadful  feelings  at  the  danger 
and  exposure  of  her  husband  among  those  *  rude-throated  engines' 
of  death.  She  confessed  that  she  had  her  feelings  on  the  occasion, 
among  which  one  feeling  was  predominant,  which  was,  that  she 
'  would  rather  be  the  widow  of  a  man  who  had  fallen  fighting  the 
battles  of  his  country,  than  the  wife  of  a  living  coward !" 

We  cannot  close  this  sketch  of  General  Gluitman  better,  than  by 
giving  extracts  of  a  letter  [October  15th,  1847]  in  which  he  gives 
his  opinion  concerning  the  future  duly  of  the  United  States,  with 
regard  to  Mexico.  However  parties  may  disagree  on  this  important 
subject,  all  will  respect  the  fearlessness  with  which  a  war-worn  vete 
ran  advocates  the  measures  that  he  believes  right. 

"  I  wish  now,  instead  of  an  epistle  written  in  the  reception-room 
of  the  successors  of  Cortez,  I  could  only  have  you  by  the  button  for 


LETTER   OF   QUITMAN.  103 

one  hour ;  I  would  run  over  my  reflections  upon  the  future.  I  will 
not  repeat  what,  no  doubt,  ere  this  you  have  been  wearied  of  read 
ing.  How  this  gallant  army  of  nine  thousand  men  descended  into 
this  valley,  broke  through  a  line  of  almost  impregnable  batteries  — 
in  four  battles  defeated  an  enemy  of  thirty-five  thousand,  took  more 
than  one  hundred  guns,  and  four  thousand  prisoners,  and  erected  the 
« glorious  stars  and  stripes'  on  this  palace,  where,  since  the  conquest 
of  Cortez,  no  stranger  banner  had  ever  waved  ;  but  I  will  be  guilty 
of  one  egotism — I  was  among  the  first  to  enter  the  gates  of  the  city, 
after  an  obstinate  defence,  and  it  was  my  good  fortune  that,  under 
my  personal  orders,  our  flag  was  first  raised  on  this  palace.  With 
all  this  you  will,  however,  have  been  surfeited  in  these  days  of 
heroics. 

•*  I  have  an  opportunity  to  write  you  a  line.  My  thoughts  are 
full  of  one  subject,  and  I  proceed  to  it  in  medias  res.  The  Mexican 
army  is  disbanded.  The  whole  country,  except  where  we  govern 
it,  is  in  confusion.  There  appears  to  be  no  prospect  of  the  estab 
lishment  of  a  new  government.  If  we  desire  peace,  there  is  no 
power,  nor  will  there  be  any  legitimate  power  with  which  to  make 
peace.  What,  then,  is  to  be  done  ?  I  speak  to  you  boldly,  as  we 
spoke  when  the  Texas  question  arose.  I  say,  hold  on  to  this  coun 
try.  It  is  its  destiny.  It  is  ours.  We  are  compelled  to  this  policy 
— we  cannot  avoid  it. 

"  There  are  but  three  modes  of  prosecuting  this  war.  One  is,  tc 
increase  our  force  to  fifty  thousand  men,  and  overrun  the  whole 
country,  garrison  every  state  capital,  and  take  every  considerable 
city.  The  second  is,  to  withdraw  our  armies  from  the  country,  and 
take  up  the  proposed  defensive  line.  The  third  is  to  occupy  the 
line,  or  certain  points  in  it ;  and  also  to  hold,  not  only  the  line  and 
the  ports,  but  this  capital,  preserving  an  open  communication  with 
the  gulf.  This  last  appears  to  me  to  be  the  true  policy  of  the  coun 
try.  The  first  has  the  objection  of  being  too  expensive,  without  the 
prospect  of  any  good  results.  It  would,  also,  demoralize  the  army, 
as  a  war  of  details  always  does.  The  second  would  be  equally  ex 
pensive,  and  would  protract  the  war  indefinitely.  The  last  appears 
the  only  practicable  alternative,  and  it  is  forced  upon  us.  If  we 
abandon  this  capital,  in  thirty  days  after  the  army  of  officers  and 
office-holders,  (emple.os,)  now  driven  from  the  hive,  will  return  and 
re-establish  a  central  military  government,  whose  bond  of  union 


104  MAJOR-GENERAL   QUITMAN. 

would  be  preserved  by  our  presence  upon  the  frontier.  They  would 
keep  alive  this  distant  war  on  the  frontier  from  choice,  force  us  into 
the  necessity  of  keeping  up  strong  garrisons  from  the  mouth  of  the 
Rio  Grande  to  the  Pacific ;  because,  from  the  centre,  they  could 
strike  a  blow  upon  any  part  of  the  line  before  it  could  be  reinforced. 
They  would  move  on  a  semi-diameter,  while  our  operations  would 
be  on  the  circumference.  If,  on  the  other  hand,  the  twenty  thou 
sand  disbanded  officers,  the  military  aristocracy  of  the  country,  should 
not  be  able  to  establish  a  government,  the  country  would  be  left  in  a 
state  of  absolute  anarchy  upon  our  withdrawal,  and  would  soon  be 
wasted,  plundered  and  depopulated.  It  would  become  derelict,  and 
would  be  seized  as  a  waif  by  some  European  power.  Think  you 
such  a  prize  as  this  splendid  country  is,  would  be  long  without  some 
claimant  ?  England  would  be  ready  to  throw  in  an  army  here  to 
protect  her  mining  interests,  or  to  league  with  France  to  establish  a 
monarchy.  I  do  not  exaggerate,  when  I  say  that  it  would  become 
derelict !  (that  is,  utterly  forsaken.)  It  is  already  prostrated.  Five, 
out  of  its  seven  millions  of  inhabitants,  are  beasts  of  burden,  with  as 
little  of  intellect  as  the  asses  whose  burdens  they  share.  Of  the 
population  of  this  city,  one  hundred  thousand  are  leperos,  with  no 
social  tie,  no  wives,  no  children,  no  homes ;  Santa  Anna  was  the  only 
man  who  could  even  for  a  time  keep  together  the  rotten  elements 
of  his  corrupt  government.  Here  in  this  capital  we  are  in  the  pos 
session  of  all  the  machinery  of  that  miserable  contrivance  which  was 
called  the  government ;  out  of  this  capital  they  cannot  establish  an 
other.  No  sensible  man  in  this  country  believes  it.  Then  it  follows, 
that  if  we  abandon  this  capital,  either  the  official  jackals  return  and 
set  up  the  old  carcase  of  the  state,  or  reduced  to  anarchy,  the  country 
will  be  seized  upon  by  some  foreign  power. 

«'  On  the  other  hand,  with  ten  thousand  men,  we  can  hold  this 
capital  and  Vera  Cruz,  and  keep  open  a  safe  communication  be 
tween  the  two  points.  Possessing  the  heart,  there  could  be  no 
sufficient  force  concentrated  to  annoy  us  upon  the  frontier  line  we 
might  choose  to  occupy.  The  expense  would  be  less  to  hold  this 
point  and  the  frontier  line,  than  to  occupy  the  latter,  and  leave  this 
as  a  rallying  point  for  the  enemy.  I  mean  to  say  it  would  require 
less  men  and  less  money,  and  would  be  attended  with  less  difficulty 
and  risk,  to  keep  this  capital  and  the  seaports,  as  a  part  of  the  policy 
of  the  defensive  line,  than  to  adopt  the  latter  exclusively.  But  by 


LETTER   OF   QUITMAN.  105 

holding  on  to  the  seaports  and  the  capital,  and  by  keeping  open  the 
communication  between  them,  a  large  portion  of  the  expenses  of  this 
mode  of  prosecuting  the  war  would  be  drawn,  by  very  simple  means, 
from  the  country.  The  duties  on  imports  into  Vera  Cruz,  during 
the  month  of  August,  with  the  very  restricted  internal  commerce 
which  then  existed,  amounted  to  sixty  thousand  dollars.  I  do  not 
hesitate  to  say  it  will  this  winter  amount  to  three  times  that  sum  per 
month.  If,  then,  we  lay  but  half  the  duty  on  the  exportation  of 
bullion  and  the  precious  metals,  existing  under  the  Mexican  govern 
ment,  we  may  readily  anticipate,  from  these  sources  alone,  an  income 
of  three  millions  of  dollars  per  annum. 

"  Let  foreign  goods  be  brought  to  this  capital  under  our  low  sys 
tem  of  duties,  and  we  should  soon  obtain  a  moral  conquest  over  this 
country  which  would  bring  us  peace — unless,  indeed,  it  should  pro 
duce  so  violent  a  friendship  for  our  institutions  and  government  that 
we  would  be  unable  to  shake  off  our  amiable  neighbours — a  contin 
gency,  I  assure  you,  not  unlikely  to  occur.  What  then?  Why, 
the  *  old  hunker'  will  say,  as  he  has  sung  since  the  first  new  state 
was  admitted  — as  he  said  when  Louisiana  and  Florida  were  pur 
chased,  and  latterly  when  Texas  was  annexed,  that  the  Union  is  in 
danger,  the  country  will  be  ruined,  &c.  &c."  *  *  * 

With  a  glowing  account  of  the  resources  of  the  country,  and  the 
advantages  of  the  commercial  pass  of  Tehuantepec,  the  general 
boldly  strikes  out  for  the  policy  of  holding  the  country  in  possession; 
and  says : — 

"  Let  us  try  the  policy,  and  not  be  alarmed,  because,  in  process 
of  time,  it  may  result  in  extending  our  federation  to  the  isthmus." 


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BKIGADIER-GENERAL  TWIGGS. 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  DAVID  E.  TWIGGS  is  a  native  of  Georgia. 
His  father,  John  Twiggs,  was  a  major-general  in  the  Revolution, 
and  by  his  valuable  services  obtained  the  title  of  "  Saviour  of  Geor 
gia."  Born  in  Richmond  county  in  1790,  young  Twiggs  grew  up 
in  the  immediate  sunset  of  the  revolution,  and  imbibed  the  spirit  of 
that  glorious  period  in  his  earliest  teachings.  Accordingly,  the  study 
of  law,  which  he  commenced  in  Franklin  College,  and  prosecuted 
under  General  Thomas  Flourney,  was  abandoned  as  soon  as  our 
difficulties  with  England  gave  promise  of  a  war.  Through  the 
exertions  of  his  father  he  received  a  commission  as  captain  of  the 
8th  infantry,  March  12th,  1812.  He  was  not  entrusted  with  a  se 
parate  command  during  the  war,  but  so  far  distinguished  himself 
ts  to  receive  the  commendations  both  of  government  and  his  native 
,tate. 

Major  Twiggs  served  under  Generals  Gaines  and  Jackson  in  the 
difficulties  with  the  Spaniards  and  the  Seminole  war.  At  the  head 
of  two  hundred  and  fifty  men,  he  totally  defeated  a  large  party  of 
Indians,  under  the  celebrated  chief  Hornetlimed.  In  1817,  he  ac 
companied  General  Jackson  in  his  march  toward  St.  Augustine,  and 
was  appointed  to  take  possession  of  St.  Marks.  He  was  subse 
quently  concerned  in  the  Black  Hawk  war,  stationed  at  the  Augusta 
arsenal  during  the  national  difficulties  with  South  Carolina,  and 
then  removed  to  New  Orleans.  His  services  in  Florida,  like  those 
of  most  other  officers  there,  were  arduous  but  not  brilliant.  On  the 
8th  of  June,  1836,  he  was  appointed  colonel  of  the  2d  dragoons. 

When  General  Taylor  approached  Point  Isabel  in  his  march  to 
the  Rio  Grande,  he  discovered  it  to  be  on  fire.  Colonel  Twiggs 
was  immediately  despatched  with  two  hundred  and  fifty  men,  to 

(106) 


GENERAL  TW1GGS 


TWTGGS  AT  PALO  ALTO,  ETC.          107 

arrest  the  conflagration,  and  succeeded  in  saving  a  few  of  the  houses. 
He  found  the  town  evacuated  by  the  authorities  and  military,  who 
had  fled  at  his  approach. 

The  dispute  between  Colonels  Twiggs  and  Worth  has  already 
been  noticed.  Twiggs'  commission  was  dated  June  8th,  1836,  that 
of  Worth,  July  7th,  1838 ;  but  in  1842  the  latter  had  been  brevetted 
brigadier-general.  On  this  circumstance  he  claimed  precedence 
over  Twiggs,  who,  however,  refused  to  yield  his  authority  as  second 
in  command.  The  matter  was  referred  to  General  Taylor,  who  de 
cided  in  favour  of  Twiggs. 

The  following  extracts  are  from  Twiggs'  own  account  of  his  ope 
rations  on  the  8th  and  9th  of  May : 

"The  enemy,  at  the  distance  of  about  half  a  mile,  opened  their 
batteries  on  the  right,  which,  being  immediately  responded  to  by 
our  two  eighteen-pounders,  in  charge  of  Lieutenant  Churchill, 
brought  on  the  action  of  the  8th  instant.  Major  Ringgold's  battery 
was  ordered  to  the  right  and  front  of  the  eighteen-pounders,  at  a 
distance  of  about  seven  hundred  yards  from  the  enemy,  when  the 
battery  was  opened  with  great  effect,  as  was  shown  the  next  day,  by 
the  number  of  the  enemy's  dead  found  along  his  line.  The  in 
fantry,  in  the  mean  time,  was  formed  in  rear  of  the  artillery,  re 
ceiving  with  the  greatest  possible  coolness  the  enemy's  fire,  and  only 
anxious  for  the  order  to  rush  in  and  participate  actively  in  the  affair. 

"A  regiment  of  the  enemy's  lancers  was  observed  to  move  to  our 
right,  apparently  to  gain  possession  of  our  wagon  train,  a  few  hun 
dred  yards  in  rear.  The  5th  infantry  and  two  pieces  of  Major 
Ringgold's  artillery,  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant  R.  Ridgely, 
were  ordered  to  check  this  movement.  Having  gained  ground  to 
the  right,  some  four  or  five  hundred  yards,  the  5th  was  formed  in 
square  to  receive  a  charge  from  the  lancers,  who  advanced  to  with 
in  fifty  yards,  when  the  opposing  side  of  the  square  fired  into  and 
repulsed  them,  having  received  in  the  mean  time  several  irregular 
discharges  from  the  enemy.  The  lancers  re-formed,  and  continued 
their  movement  to  get  in  rear  of  our  right  flank,  when  I  ordered 
the  3d  to  move  to  the  right  and  rear,  around  a  pond  of  water,  and 
prevent  their  progress  in  that  direction.  Seeing  their  movement 
frustrated  in  this  point,  the  lancers  commenced  a  retreat  in  good 
order,  marching  apparently  by  squadrons,  when  First  Lieutenant  R. 
flidgely,  of  Major  Ringgold's  battery,  assisted  by  Brevet  Second 


108  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   TWIGGS. 

Lieutenant  French,  opened  a  fire  on  them,  and  scattered  them  in 
all  directions.  In  this  affair,  the  enemy  lost  some  twenty-eight  or 
thirty  men.  This  portion  of  the  right  wing  served  in  about  this 
position  until  the  close  of  the  action.  In  the  mean  time,  Major 
Ringgold,  with  the  remaining  two  pieces  of  his  battery,  continued 
to  play  on  the  enemy  with  great  success.  The  gallant  major  was 
mortally  wounded  by  a  cannon  ball  towards  the  close  of  the  action, 
and  his  horse  shot  under  him  at  the  same  time.  The  army  and  the 
country  will  long  deplore  the  loss  of  so  brave  and  accomplished  an 
officer." 

For  his  bravery  in  these  battles,  Twiggs  was  promoted  to  the 
brevet  rank  of  brigadier-general.  He  commanded  the  advance  at 
the  capture  of  Matamoras,  and  was  appointed  military  governor  of 
the  city.  This  station  he  occupied  until  the  movement  of  the  arrny 
toward  Monterey.  Twiggs  was  one  of  the  most  efficient  officers 
concerned  in  the  storming  of  Monterey.  In  the  street  fight  he  es 
pecially  distinguished  himself ;  and  the  annexed  portions  of  his  re 
port  will  show  the  trials  endured  by  his  con&mand,  in  the  eventful 
"  three  days :" 

"On  the  morning  of  the  21st  instant,  my  division  advanced  to 
ward  the  city.  Lieutenant-Colonel  J.  Garland's  brigade,  composed 
of  the  3d  and  4th  regiments  of  regular  infantry,  and  Captain  B. 
Bragg's  horse-artillery,  Lieutenant-Colonel  H.  Wilson's  brigade, 
composed  of  the  1st  regiment  of  regular  infantry,  and  the  Wash 
ington  and  Baltimore  battalion  of  volunteers,  were  ordered  to  the 
east  and  lower  end  of  the  city,  to  make  a  diversion  in  favour  of 
Brevet  Brigadier-General  W.  J.  Worth's  division,  which  was  ope 
rating  against  the  west  and  upper  part  of  the  city.  It  being  deemed 
practicable,  an  assault  was  ordered  against  two  of  the  enemy's  ad 
vanced  works.  The  regular  force  of  my  division  was  thrown  to 
the  right  of  the  two  works,  with  orders  to  take  possession  of  some 
houses  in  the  city,  on  the  right  and  rear  of  the  enemy's  advanced 
position,  with  a  view  of  annoying  him  in  flank  and  rear.  The 
Washington  and  Baltimore  battalion  was  ordered  on  the  road  leading 
directly  to  the  works.  Under  a  most  galling  and  destructive  fire 
from  three  batteries  in  front  and  one  on  the  right,  as  well  as  from 
that  of  small  arms  from  all  the  adjacent  houses  and  stone  walls,  my 
division  advanced  as  rapidly  as  the  ground  and  the  stern  opposition 
of  the  enemy  would  admit  of.  The  1st,  3d,'and  4th  regiments  of 


TWIGGS    AT    MONTEREY.  109 

infantry  gained  the  position  to  which  they  were  ordered,  and  annoyed 
the  enemy  in  flank  and  rear,  until  he  was  obliged  to  evacuate  his 
two  advanced  works,  which  were  hotly  pressed  by  General  Butler's 
division  of  volunteers,  and  the  Washington  and  Baltimore  battalion, 
under  command  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Watson. 

"  The  3d  and  4th  advanced  still  further  into  the  city,  but  finding 
the  streets  strongly  barricaded  by  heavy  masses  of  masonry,  behind 
which  batteries  were  placed,  and  the  houses  rilled  with  light  troops, 
were  obliged  to  retire  to  the  works  first  taken  by  the  volunteers. 
The  position  of  the  enemy's  batteries,  and  the  arrangement  of  his 
defences,  in  every  street  and  corner,  rendered  it  necessary  for  the 
regular  troops  who  advanced  into  the  city  to  be  separated,  each  com 
pany  being  led  by  its  captain  or  immediate  commander,  and  for  the 
time  acting  independently.  After  a  most  manly  struggle  of  some 
six  hours,  my  men  succeeded,  after  various  repulses,  in  driving  the 
enemy  from  each  and  every  of  his  positions  in  the  suburbs.  The 
3d  infantry,  commanded  by  Major  W.  W.  Lear,  and  part  of  the 
4th,  all  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  J.  Garland,  led 
off  towards  the  right,  and  in  the  direction  of  one  of  the  enemy's 
strongest  works  in  front  of  a  bridge  in  the  city.  Captain  B.  Bragg's 
battery  accompanied  the  command,  under  a  destructive  fire,  which 
killed  and  disabled  several  of  his  men  and  horses,  until  directed  to 
retire  beyond  the  range  of  small  arms. 

*  #  #  *  *  *  * 

"  The  number  of  killed  and  wounded  in  this  assault,  shows  with 
what  obstinacy  each  position  was  defended  by  the  enemy,  as  well 
as  the  gallantry  and  good  conduct  displayed  by  our  officers  and 
men. 

"  Captain  B.  Bragg's  battery,  having  suffered  severely,  after  ad 
vancing  some  distance  into  the  city,  was  obliged  to  withdraw  to  a 
point  out  of  range  of  the  enemy's  small  arms.  Captain  R.  Ridgely, 
with  one  section  of  his  battery,  annoyed  the  enemy's  advanced 
works  for  some  time  in  the  commencement  of  the  assault,  but  was 
obliged  to  retire  out  of  range  of  their  batteries,  that  were  playing  on 
him.  Having  used  a  twelve-pounder  taken  from  the  first  work, 
against  the  enemy,  till  the  ammunition  gave  out,  he  was  sent,  with 
one  section  of  his  own  battery  still  further  in  advance ;  but  being 
unable  to  accomplish  much  against  the  enemy's  heavy  breastworks, 
returned  to,  and  occupied  with  his  battery,  the  first  work  taken  from 
10 


110  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   TWIGGS. 

the  enemy.  Captains  R.  Ridgely  and  B.  Bragg,  and  their  subal 
terns,  W.  H.  Shover,  G.  H.  Thomas,  J.  F.  Reynolds,  C.  L.  Kil- 
burn,  and  S.  G.  French,  deserve  the  highest  praise  for  their  skill 
and  good  conduct  under  the  heaviest  fire  of  the  enemy,  which,  when 
an  opportunity  offered,  was  concentrated  on  them.  In  the  advanced 
works  referred  to  were  taken  four  officers  and  sixteen  men,  prisoners 
of  war,  together  with  five  pieces  of  ordnance,  some  ammunition  and 
small  arms.  Having  thrown  up  some  slight  breastworks,  the  1st, 
3d,  and  4th  infantry,  and  Captain  R.  Ridgely's  battery,  occupied 
this  position  until  the  morning  of  the  22d. 

******** 
"  On  the  23d,  the  advance  into  the  city  was  resumed — the  in 
fantry  working  their  way  from  house  to  house,  supported  by  Cap 
tains  R.  Ridgely  and  B.  Bragg's  battery,  driving  the  enemy  before 
them.  When  night  closed  our  operations  on  the  23d,  our  men  had 
advanced  to  within  two  squares  of  the  centre  of  the  city." 

After  the  surrender  of  the  city,  Twiggs  occupied  it  with  his  di 
vision,  until  ordered  to  join  General  Scott  on  the  gulf  coast.  He 
assisted  at  the  taking  of  Vera  Cruz,  and  received  from  the  com 
mander  the  honour  of  conducting  the  main  attack  at  Sierra  Gordo. 
The  annexed  graphic  description  of  the  movements  of  his  division, 
on  the  night  preceding  the  battle,  is  from  the  pen  of  one  of  its 
number : — 

"  The  day  preceding  the  battle  of  Sierra  Gordo  was  one  of  ex 
ceeding  beauty,  more  so  than  even  many  of  those  seen  beneath  a 
tropical  sun.  A  gentle  breeze,  which  was  wafted  across  the  Tierra 
Caliente  from  the  '  Blue  Gulf,'  unfolded  upon  the  summit  of  the 
Sierra  Gordo  the  gay  ensign  of  the  haughty  Mexican,  and  at  the 
same  time  floated  the  star-spangled  banner  in  its  balmy  embrace 
over  a  handful  of  Americans  who  came  to  battle  in  their  country's 
cause.  Stretched  along  the  heights  behind  strong  fortifications,  de 
fended  by  frowning  cannon  and  bristling  bayonets,  attired  in  all  the 
gay  paraphernalia  of  a  splendid  army,  lay  the  Mexican  hosts,  ga 
thered  to  defend  their  country  from  the  *  northern  barbarians,'  who 
kid  quietly  encamped  in  the  small  valley  of  the  Plan  del  Rio,  pa 
tiently  awaiting  the  order  for  battle,  when  they  should  rush  forth 
upon  that  proud  army  and  drive  them  in  confusion  from  their  strong 
holds. 

"  Among  the  latter  party  was  myself — an  humble  soldier  in  the 


TWIGGS    AT   SIERRA    GORDO.  Ill 

cause — seated  in  my  tent.  I  thought  of  the  home  I  had  left  behind 
me,  and  the  friends  I  had  forsaken,  to  struggle  amid  strangers  in  a 
foreign  land — the  many  chances  against  me  in  the  game  of  life  and 
death  that  is  for  ever  going  on  in  the  midst  of  an  army.  I  thought 
myself  dreaming ;  but  I  could  not  lay  that  *  flattering  unction  to  my 
soul.'  It  was  too  true  —  the  reality  was  too  plain.  I  was  a  soldier, 
and  upon  the  eve  of  a  battle,  with  many  chances  o^bcing  victimized 
by  a  Mexican  bullet.  Well,  well,  thought  I,  if  I  am  killed,  it  shall 
be  gloriously  in  defence  of  my  country's  honour;  my  name,  among 
others,  will  be  handed  down  to  posterity,  printed  on  the  page  of 
history,  and  '  enrolled  upon  the  scroll  of  fame,'  an  example  to  future 
belligerent  young  gentlemen  that  the  •  pride  and  pomp  of  glorious 
war,'  no  matter  how  imposing,  does  not  counterbalance  its  •  circum 
stance'  in  the  scale  of  life. 

"I  looked  out  upon  the  camp  :  my  fellow-soldiers  were  engaged 
in  various  occupations.  Some,  thinking  of  the  approaching  contest, 
were  preparing  their  arms  and  ammunition  to  do  bloody  work ; 
others,  thinking  of  their  latter  end,  were  writing  their  wills  and  fare 
well  letters  to  their  friends ;  others,  like  Sergeant  Dalgetty,  thinking 
of  their  provant,  were  cooking ;  others,  thinking  that  they  were 
brave,  were  talking  in  loud  tones  of  the  valorous  deeds  they  intend 
ed  to  perform  on  the  morrow ;  others,  thinking  that  battles  were 
dangerous  things,  were  musing  on  the  chances  of  going  through 
safely ;  and  others  still,  thinking  of  nothing  at  all,  were  whistling, 
singing,  and  playing  cards.  I  was  thinking  of  all  these  things, 
when  I  was  suddenly  startled  by  the  sullen  booming  of  a  cannon  in 
the  direction  of  Sierra  Gordo ;  then  another  and  another ;  then  the 
rapid  roll  of  musketry  and  successive  cracks  of  rifles.  It  was  all 
too  plain  that  the  battle  had  commenced.  General  Twiggs  had  been 
ordered  in  the  morning  to  take  the  position  assigned  his  division, 
and  protect  the  detail  engaged  in  making  a  road  for  our  artillery, 
and  the  enemy  had  attempted  to  drive  him  back.  The  fight  raged 
with  violence  for  some  moments.  Those  ancient  hills  shook  with 
the  thunder  of  artillery — the  valleys  re-echoed  the  sound  of  small- 
arms.  I  thought  of  the  many  sguls  that  took  their  departure  from 
earth  with  each  discharge — of  the  mangled  limbs  and  painful  looks 
and  cries  of  the  wounded.  I  had  j^een  under  fire  before  ;  but  some 
how  this  seemed  like  getting  into  closer  quarters  than  formerly,  t 
said  not  a  word,  but,  like  Paddy's  owl,  I  kept  up  « a  thinking.' 


112  BRIGADIER-GENERAL    TWIGGS. 

"  Up  to  this  time  it  had  been  the  impression  that  our  brigade 
would  be  held  in  reserve;  hence  the  nonchalance  manifested  by 
most  of  the  corps ;  but  this  pleasant  hallucination  was  banished  by 
the  'long  roll/  beaten  by  'old  Brown,' the  drum-major  —  a  very 
Paganini  on  the  drum.  Our  colonel  had  prevailed  on  General 
Scott  to  order  us  in  the  advance  to  support  Twiggs.  All  thinking 
now  ceased ;  he  who  was  cleaning  his  musket  quickly  shouldered 
it ;  the  letter-writer  closed  his  mournful  epistle ;  the  cook  left  his 
supper  at  the  mercy  of  the  fire  ;  the  gasconading  youth  was  silent, 
and  hoped  from  the  bottom  of  his  heart  that  it  was  a  false  alarm ; 
the  silent  thinker  calmly  equipped  himself;  the  musician  halted  in 
the  middle  of  a  tune ;  the  card-players  threw  down  their  hands, 
and,  instead  of  shuffling  the  papers,  thought  of  shuffling  off  this 
mortal  coil. 

"The  drums  beat  a  merry  tune  as  the  companies  marched  into 
their  places.  The  words,  'Attention  —  shoulder  arms!'  from  our 
adjutant,  made  every  man  a  soldier;  and  the  regiment  was  formed 
— as  fine  a  body  of  men  as  ever  took  the  field.  Our  gallant  colonel 
drew  his  good  sword,  and,  glancing  proudly  upon  us,  gave  the  com 
mand,  'By  the  right  flank  —  right  face — forward — march  !'  And 
away  we  went.  As  we  reached  the  road,  I  glanced  behind  me 
upon  our  camp.  The  fires  burned  with  lurid  flickering  flame  ;  the 
camp-kettles,  brimming  full  of  good  'bean-soup,'  sung  a  mournful 
song ;  our  poor  invalids,  unable  to  follow  us  to  the  field  of  glory, 
gazed  with  tearful  eyes  upon  their  departing  comrades,  and  mourned 
not  so  much  because  they  could  not  go  as  because  we  were  going. 
On  we  went  at  a  smashing  pace,  arid,  having  three  miles  to  go,  just 
as  we  were  ascending  the  first  hill  between  our  camp  and  the  enemy, 
we  met  Sergeant  Scott,  General  Twiggs'  orderly,  coming  at  a  forced 
gallop  with  a  prisoner  seated  upon  the  crupper  of  his  horse.  Scott 
was  a  giant  in  comparison  with  the  diminutive  form  of  the  Mexican, 
who  grasped  him  about  the  waist  and  held  on,  as  you  have  seen  a 
dirty-faced  urchin  while  riding  behind  his  daddy,  his  ear  glued  to 
Scott's  back,  as  if  osculating  his  spine.  At  every  bound  of  the  horse 
his  body  flew  out  in  a  direct  line  from  that  of  the  sergeant's ;  and 
when  he  struck  the  horse  again— oh,  awful,  awful,  indeed,  was  the 
shock !  Thus  had  Scott  ridden  with  him  for  three  miles ;  and  I 
guess  the  Mexican  did  not  much  admire  that  kind  of  transportation. 
This  is  the  way  that  Sergeant  Scott  takes  prisoners.  It  is  said  that 


TWIGGS   AT   SIERRA    GORtiO.  113 

he  has  taken  a  prisoner  in  every  fight  in  which  his  general  has  par 
ticipated. 

"  Immediately  after  Scott,  followed  a  wounded  soldier  leaning 
upon  his  comrade.  Never  shall  I  forget  the  look  of  that  man  ;  his 
arm  had  been  shattered  by  a  shot  and  hung  powerless,  while  a 
stream  of  blood  poured  from  a  severed  artery,  flooding  his  whole 
side ;  yet  not  a  look  betrayed  the  least  emotion  of  pain.  He  had 
sacrificed  his  good  right  arm  in  his  country's  cause,  and  he  rejoiced 
in  the  sacrifice. 

"About  five  o'clock,  P.  M.,  we  reached  the  vicinity  of  Twiggs; 
as  we  approached  his  position  we  met  many  of  the  wounded  return 
ing  from  the  field  ;  and  immediately  in  his  neighbourhood  we  came 
upon  the  surgeons  at  their  bloody  work.  To  hear  the  groans  of  some, 
and  even  to  witness  the  fortitude  of  others  of  the  mangled  soldiers, 
was  truly  heart-rending :  there  lay  men  in  the  agonies  of  death,  and 
there  lay  lifeless  bodies,  which  but  a  few  moments  before  had  moved 
in  the  full  enjoyment  of  all  their  faculties,  now  wrapped  for  ever  in 
the  cold  embrace  of  death. 

"  We  found  that  the  enemy  had  retired  behind  his  batteries  with 
great  loss,  leaving  Twiggs  to  bivouack  upon  his  hard-earned  field. 
We  were  immediately  reported  to  the  old  veteran,  and  directed  to 
pile  arms  and  await  further  orders,  which  soon  came  for  a  detail  of 
one  hundred  men  from  each  regiment  (we  having  brigaded  with  the 
3d  Illinois  and  1st  New  York  regiments)  for  the  purpose  of  placing 
in  battery  a  twenty-four-pounder  upon  the  summit  of  an  immense  hill 
lying  between  us  and  the  Sierra  Gordo.  The  gun  was  of  immense 
weight ;  the  hill  steep  and  rugged ;  but  the  *  suckers'  were  hitched 
on,  and  up  that  dreadful  engine  went,  tearing  down  trees  and  crush 
ing  huge  rocks  in  its  course. 

"  This  work  occupied  a  great  portion  of  the  night ;  and  when  the 
piece  was  placed  in  battery,  the  men  who  played  horses  had  the 
satisfaction  of  reflecting  that  the  feat  they  had  performed  excelled 
any  thing  in  the  annals  of  warfare. 

"  This  tremendous  task  performed,  pickets  were  placed,  and  the 
army  sunk  upon  the  blood-stained  rocks  to  slumber,  only  to  awake 
on  the  morrow  in  order  to  imbrue  their  hands  once  more  in  the  blood 
of  the  degenerate  sons  of  the  Aztecs.  Having  no  musket,  I  went  in 
search  of  one,  and  upon  the  bloody  battle-field  I  found  it.  It  was 
formerly  the  property  of  a  regular;  its  once  bright  barrel  and  glist- 
10* 


114  BRIGADIER-GENERAL    TWIGGS. 

ening  bayonet  were  dimmed  with  human  gore.  Oh,  how  loth  was 
I  to  touch  it ;  but  self-preservation  said  *  take  it ;'  and  grasping  it,  I 
sought  a  spot  clear  of  rocks  on  which  to  stretch  my  weary  limbs.  It 
was  hard  to  find,  and  I  made  no  choice,  but  laid  myself  cautiously 
down  with  my  head  upon  a  stone  and  my  gun  by  my  side.  I  tried 
to  sleep ;  but  sleep  seemed  for  ever  banished  :  as  often  as  I  closed 
my  eyes,  a  bloody  soldier  sprang  up  and  seemed  to  warn  me  of  my 
fate.  A  thousand  visions  flitted  across  my  mind.  I  saw  war  in  all 
its  hideous  forms ;  I  saw  the  weeping  widows  and  orphans,  and 
childless  parents,  when  at  the  village  post-office  the  bulletin  of  this 
battle  should  be  read.  I  heard  the  loud  hurra  of  the  nation  over  the 
glorious  victory,  and  saw  her  mourn  for  the  loss  of  her  sons.  I  saw 
red-mouthed  cannon  belching  forth  death  and  destruction  upon  our 
little  army ;  and  I  saw  my  companions  falling  around  me  like  the 
withered  leaves  of  autumn." 

Twiggs  carried  the  strong  work  of  Sierra  Gordo,  the  key  of  the 
entire  position,  and  after  the  victory  pushed  on  with  rapid  marches 
after  the  fugitives.  Next  day  he  entered  Jalapa,  of  which  he  took 
undisputed  possession. 

In  the  march  toward  the  capital,  Twiggs'  troops  encountered 
hardships  more  frightful  than  even  those  on  the  battle-field ;  and  in 
turning  Lake  Chalco,  near  Penon,  they  were  obliged  to  drag  their 
cannon  over  rocks  and  ravines,  and  rugged  lava,  where  horses  were 
entirely  useless.  During  the  battles  of  the  19th  and  20th  of  August,' 
they  fought  and  marched  all  day,  and  at  night  lay  amid  drenching 
rains,  with  tents  without  blankets,  on  bare  rocks.  Their  bearing 
under  these  trials  elicited  the  applause  of  every  one,  and  was  no 
ticed  by  General  Scott  in  terms  of  high  commendation. 

Twiggs  was  not  concerned  in  the  attack  on  Molino  del  Rey,  al 
though  one  brigade  (Riley's)  from  his  division  formed  the  reserve 
of  the  assailing  force.  The  following  extracts  show  the  part  he  tooK 
in  the  storming  of  Chapultepec : — 

"  Steptoe's  Jwelve-pounder  battery  was  placed  in  position  during 
the  night  of  the  llth,  and  by  daylight  in  the  morning  was  enabled 
to  open  on  the  enemy's  batteries,  situated  at  the  garita  in  the  San 
Antonio  road ;  and  between  that  and  the  San  Angel  road  the  firing 
was  kept  up  briskly  during  the  day  on  both  sides,  with  but  little 
loss  to  us,  who  were  protected  by  a  good  temporary  breastwork.  On 
the  morning  of  the  13th  the  firing  was  renewed  with  great  spirit, 


TWIGGS   AT    CHAPULTEPEC.  115 

which  compelled  the  enemy  to  withdraw  his  guns  from  the  garita, 
within  the  protection  of  the  city  walls. 

"  Smith's  brigade  was  now  ordered  to  proceed  in  the  direction  of 
Chapultepec,  and  support  one  of  the  columns  of  attack,  commanded 
by  Major-General  Gluitman.  With  the  stormers  from  my  division 
in  front  of  the  road,  the  attacking  column  on  the  left,  and  Smith's 
brigade  on  the  right  of  it,  the  force  advanced  in  the  face  of  a  well- 
directed  fire  from  a  battery  at  the  base  of  Chapultepec,  near  a  point 
where  the  aqueduct  leaves  it,  and  also  from  musketry  sheltered  by 
the  aqueduct,  and  by  breastworks  across  and  on  each  side  of  the 
road.  When  within  charging  distance,  the  stormers,  with  the  as 
sistance  of  the  right  of  Smith's  brigade,  which  had  been  thrown  for 
ward  toward  the  aqueduct,  rushed  on  the  enemy's  guns,  drove  off 
or  killed  the  cannoneers,  and  took  possession  of  this  strong  point. 
Smith's  brigade  having  advanced  three  companies  of  mounted  rifle 
men  considerably  to  its  right,  to  protect  the  right  of  Gluitman's  divi 
sion,  they  were  found  near  the  first  battery  when  the  stormers  were 
about  attacking,  and  were  thus  enabled  to  enter  with  the  advance. 
The  brigade  pushed  on  and  captured  a  second  battery  in  the  rear 
of  the  first,  when  several  guns  and  many  prisoners  were  taken ; 
after  some  brisk  skirmishing,  the  enemy  was  finally  driven  from 
every  point  on  the  east  of  the  hill,  and  were  pursued  on  the  San 
Cosme  road  some  distance  by  the  storming  party,  under  the  com 
mand  of  Captain  Paul,  7th  infantry ;  this  party  having  been  over 
taken  by  the  1st  division,  and  their  specific  duties  as  stormers  having 
been  accomplished,  were  ordered  to  return  and  rejoin  their  respective 
regiments. 

"  Early  in  the  action,  Captain  Casey,  2d  infantry,  who  command 
ed  the  storming  party  from  my  division,  was  severely  wounded,  and 
obliged  to  retire.  The  command  devolving  upon  Captain  Paul,  7th 
infantry,  Lieutenant  Gantt,  7th  infantry,  with  a  portion  of  the  party, 
was  ordered  to  cross  the  ditch  on  the  left  of  the  road,  and  proceed 
further  to  the  left  of  the  base  of  Chapultepec,  and,  by  scaling  the 
wall,  gain  admittance  to  the  body  of  the  work.  This  gallant  officer 
was  shot  dead  at  the  head  of  his  men ;  the  command  of  this  party 
devolving  upon  Lieutenant  Steele,  2d  infantry,  who  led  his  men  on 
with  intrepidity  and  success.  *  *  *  *  * 

"  Smith's  brigade  —  the  riflemen  leading,  supported  by  an  eight 
inch  howitzer,  in  charge  of  the  late  and  gallant  Captain  Drum,  4th 


116  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   TWIGGS. 

artillery — carried  a  battery  near  the  Casa  Colorada,  half  way  to  the 
garita  on  the  Chapultepec  road.  The  command  was  here  reorganized 
by  the  senior  officer,  Major-General  Quitman,  with  the  mounted 
riflemen  again  in  the  advance,  supported  by  the  South  Carolina  re 
giment —  the  remainder  of  Smith's  brigade  being  in  reserve  —  and 
charged  the  battery  at  the  garita;  the  reserve  pushing  up,  arrived 
at  the  battery  at  the  same  moment  with  the  advance,  and  entered 
the  city  at  twenty  minutes  past  one  o'clock,  P.  M.  The  brigade 
occupied  buildings  within  the  city  during  the  night,  and,  the  enemy 
having  in  the  mean  time  abandoned  the  city,  our  forces  took  posses 
sion  of  it  on  the  morning  of  the  14th.  Our  national  colours  were 
planted  on  the  enemy's  palace  by  a  non-commissioned  officer  of  the 
mounted  rifles  at  seven  o'clock,  A.  M. 

"Until  late  in  the  afternoon  of  the  13th,  Ri ley's  brigade,  with 
Steptoe's  and  Taylor's  batteries,  were  kept  in  the  Piedad  road  to 
watch  the  enemy  in  that  quarter.  It  formed  a  junction  with  the  1st 
division  on  the  San  Cosme  road  early  in  the  night  of  the  13th." 

For  the  remaining  operations  of  Twiggs'  command,  we  refer  the 
reader  to  the  lives  of  Scott,  Gluitman  and  Pillow.  Twiggs  is  now 
with  the  commander  at  the  capital.  Few  officers  can  boast  of  more 
valuable  service  than  he  has  rendered,  and  the  verdict  of  his  nation 
has  placed  him  among  those  whom  she  delights  to  honour. 


GENERAL  SMITH. 


BREVET  BRIGADIER-GENERAL  PERSIFOR  F.  SMITH  has  but  recently 
entered  the  army,  in  which  he  now  occupies  so  honourable  a  station. 
He  is  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  although  appointed  from  Louisiana. 
His  first  commission  as  colonel  of  mounted  rifles,  is  dated  May  27th, 
184G,  and  he  was  brevetted  brigadier-general  in  September  of  the 
same  year. 

Smith's  first  services  in  his  new  profession  were  brilliant  and  use 
ful.  He  formed  part  of  General  Worth's  division,  and  was  in 
trusted  by  that  officer  with  the  storming  of  the  forts  near  the  Bishop's 
Palace.  His  troops  marched  through  extensive  corn-fields,  over 
rocks  and  ledges,  and  through  a  branch  of  the  San  Juan  river,  while 
it  was  plashing  and  foaming  with  the  Mexican  shot.  The  enthu 
siasm  with  which  they  attacked  the  forts,  entering  them  at  a  perfect 
rush,  was  not  surpassed  by  any  achievement  of  that  eventful  day. 
For  his  manner  of  conducting  the  attack,  and  his  subsequent  ser 
vices,  General  Smith  is  mentioned  by  Worth  among  those  whom  it 
vas  "  his  pleasing  and  grateful  duty  to  present  to  the  consideration 
»f  the  general-in-chief,  and  through  him  to  the  government."  After 
<he  capitulation,  he  was  appointed  to  receive  the  surrender  of  the 
citadel,  a  ceremony  which  he  conducted  with  forbearance  and  deli 
cacy  to  the  unhappy  and  humiliated  foe. 

General  Smith  was  prevented  by  sickness  from  participating  in 
the  battle  of  Sierra  Gordo,  but  at  Contreros  and  the  succeeding  ac 
tions,  he  acted  a  most  conspicuous  part.  We  give  extracts  from  his 
official  account  of  these  victories : — 

«*  On  the  19th  instant,  my  brigade,  with  the  rest  of  the  division, 
marched  from  San  Augustin  to  cover  the  division  of  General  Pil 
low  opening  the  road  from  San  Augustin  to  that  which  runs  through 
this  place  to  the  city,  in  order  to  turn  the  position  of  San  Antonio. 

a  17) 


118  GENERAL   SMITH. 

Advancing  about  one  and  a  half  mile,  we  were  met  by  the  fire  of 
the  Mexican  batteries  opposite  to  us  on  the  San  Angel  road.  Be 
tween  us  was  about  a  half  mile  of  lava  rocks,  almost  impassable  for 
a  single  footman,  then  a  slope  down  towards  a  ravine,  on  the  oppo 
site  bank  of  which  were  the  road  and  the  enemy's  works,  on  a 
height  called  Contreros.  The  front  faced  us,  and  the  left  flank 
swept  the  road  below  it,  a  turn  forwards  in  the  road  bringing  the 
work  directly  in  the  prolongation  of  the  lower  part  of  the  road.  The 
work  had  upwards  of  twenty  large  guns,  was  full  of  infantry,  and 
large  masses  of  cavalry  and  infantry  were  behind  it  and  on  its  flanks. 
Magruder's  battery  was  ordered  forward  to  a  position  in  front  of  the 
enemy,  and  partially  covered  by  a  ledge  of  rocks.  My  brigade  was 
ordered  to  follow  and  support  it,  and  cover  the  advance  of  the  party 
making  the  road.  We  went  forward  under  a  very  heavy  fire,  and 
took  a  position  on  the  left  of  Magruder's  battery.  We  found  Lieu 
tenant  Calender's  howitzer  battery  at  this  point.  When  we  took 
this  direction,  Riley's  brigade  was  sent  to  the  right.  Magruder's 
battery  and  the  howitzer  battery  were  soon  disabled,  and,  on  ex 
amining  the  ground,  it  was  evident  that  we  were  advancing  by  the 
only  path  that  crossed  the  broken  bed  of  lava,  and  on  which  the 
enemy  were  prepared  to  receive  us,  having  cleared  away  all  the 
bushes  that  obstructed  their  view.  The  guns  could  go  no  further, 
and  the  infantry  would,  on  its  march  down  the  slope,  be  exposed  to 
a  terrible  fire,  without  knowing  whether  the  crossing  of  the  ravine 
below  was  possible.  Being  isolated  from  the  division,  I  determined 
to  try  one  of  the  enemy's  flanks ;  and  that  on  our  right  being  pre 
ferable,  as  it  would  cut  off  his  retreat,  I  determined  to  move  in  that 
direction.  Captain  Magruder  was  directed  to  open  his  fire  as  we 
passed  his  rear,  to  occupy  the  enemy,  and  mask  our  movements  to 
the  right.  This  he  did  most  effectually,  though  suffering  from  a 
great  loss,  especially  of  officers. 

"  To  replace  this  loss,  Lieutenant  Haskins  and  twenty  men  were 
detached  from  Major  Dimick's  regiment,  and  three  companies  of  the 
3d  infantry  were  left  to  support  him.  With  great  difficulty  we  suc 
ceeded  in  crossing  the  rock  for  near  a  mile,  and  descended  towards 
the  village  of  Encelda,  whose  church  was  visible  among  the  trees. 
As  we  emerged  from  the  rocks,  we  saw  immense  numbers  of  troops, 
cavalry  and  infantry,  approaching  from  Mexico,  and  forming  on  the 
slope  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  village.  We  crossed  two  small 


SMITH   AT   CONTREflOS.  119 

streams  at  the  bottom  of  deep  and  difficult  gulleys,  and  found  some 
of  our  troops  in  the  village,  they  proving  to  be  four  regiments, 
chiefly  of  General  Pillow's  division,  and  under  command  of  Gene 
ral  Cadwalader,  who  immediately  reported  to  me.  The  village  lay 
entirely  on  the  other  side  of  the  main  road,  and  a  small  stream  ran 
between  them  at  the  bottom  of  a  ravine.  On  the  road,  and  between 
it  and  the  stream  was  a  garden  and  house  surrounded  by  a  high  and 
tolerably  strong  stone  wall.  The  village  was  intersected  by  narrow 
lanes  lying  between  high  dikes  enclosing  gardens  full  of  trees  and 
shrubbery — the  lanes  affording  cover,  and  the  trees  concealment  for 
the  men.  At  the  centre  stood  an  old  stone  church.  I  drew  Gene 
ral  Cadwalader's  force  up  in  the  outer  edge  of  the  village,  facing 
the  enemy — placed  the  3d  infantry  and  rifles  in  column  by  company, 
left  in  front,  on  the  right  flank  —  occupied  the  church  with  Lieu 
tenant  Smith's  engineer  company  and  Captain  Irwin's  company  of 
the  llth  regiment — placed  Major  Dimick's  regiment  in  the  garden 
on  the  road,  to  secure  that  avenue  and  our  rear. 

"The  enemy  was  now  formed  opposite  to  us  in  two  lines  —  the 
infantry  in  front  and  cavalry  in  the  rear — about  ten  thousand  strong. 
It  was  now  after  sunset,  when  Colonel  Riley's  brigade  arrived.  It 
had  crossed  and  gone  up  towards  Contreros  [entrenched  camp]  and 
driven  off  strong  parties  of  the  enemy.  I  now  ordered  an  attack 
on  the  enemy's  right,  intending  to  attack  in  two  columns — Colonel 
Riley's  on  the  left,  and  General  Cadwalader's  on  the  right  of  the 
former — retired  in  echellon ;  but  before  the  troops  could  be  dis 
engaged  from  the  thickets,  [the  officers  being  without  horses,]  it 
was  so  dark  that  the  enemy's  line  could  not  be  seen,  and  the  order 
for  attack  was  countermanded.  General  Cadwalader  took  position 
again  in  the  outer  edge  of  the  village ;  Riley's  brigade  parallel  to 
it  in  a  long  line  inside ;  the  rifles,  under  Major  Loring,  on  his  right, 
and  the  3d  infantry  in  the  church-yard.  The  troops  were  without 
shelter  or  fire,  and  it  rained  all  night.  At  this  time  Lieutenant 
Tower  reported  that  he  had  been  at  the  ravine  towards  the  rear  of 
the  enemy's  works  at  Contreros,  and  thought  it  practicable  for  in 
fantry,  though  very  difficult.  We  had  now  in  front  and  on  our  left 
flank,  eighteen  thousand  Mexicans,  with  between  twenty-five  and 
thirty  guns — among  the  troops  six  or  seven  thousand  cavalry.  We 
were,  at  most,  three  thousand  three  hundred  strong,  and  without  ar 
tillery  or  cavalry ;  and  it  was  evident  we  could  only  maintain  our 

T 


120  GENERAL   SMITH. 

position,  which  was  of  the  utmost  importance  to  the  commanding 
general,  by  the  most  prompt  and  energetic  action.  I  therefore  di 
rected  an  attack  on  the  works  at  Contreros,  [the  entrenched  camp,] 
by  turning  their  rear  before  day ;  and  Captain  Lee,  of  the  engineers, 
offered  to  return  to  General  Scott,  (a  most  difficult  task,)  and  inform 
him  of  our  position,  and  that  I  would  march  out  at  three  o'clock, 
A.  M.,  so  that  any  diversion  that  he  could  make  in  our  favour  from 
that  side  might  be  prepared  accordingly. 

"  At  precisely  three  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  20th,  the  troops 
commenced  their  march.  It  had  rained  all  night,  and  the  men  had 
lain  in  the  mud,  without  fire,  and  suffering  from  cold.  It  rained 
now,  and  was  so  dark  that  an  object  six  feet  off  could  not  be  seen. 
The  men  were  ordered  to  keep  within  touch  of  each  other,  so  that 
the  rear  could  not  go  astray.  Lieutenant  Tower,  of  the  engineers, 
with  Lieutenant  Brooks,  acting  assistant  adjutant-general  of  the  2d 
division,  now  acting  in  my  staff,  had,  during  the  night,  reconnoitred 
the  pass,  to  assure  the  practicability  of  the  march.  The  path  was 
narrow,  full  of  rocks  and  mud,  and  so  difficult  was  the  march  that 
it  was  daylight  before  the  head  of  Cadwalader's  brigade  got  out  of 
the  village,  where  the  path  descends  to  the  ravine ;  and  as  the 
march  was  by  a  flank,  the  command  was  stretched  out  thrice  its 
length.  Having  followed  up  the  ravine  to  a  point  where  it  seemed 
possible  to  get  at  the  rear  of  the  work,  the  head  was  halted,  and  the 
rear  closed  up ;  many  loads  that  were  wet  were  drawn,  and  Riley 
formed  two  columns  by  divisions. 

"  He  thus  advanced  further  up  the  ravine,  turning  to  his  left,  and 
rising  over  the  bank,  stood  fronting  the  rear  of  the  work,  but  still 
sheltered  from  its  fire  by  a  slight  acclivity  before  him.  Having  re 
formed  his  ranks,  he  ascended  the  top  of  the  hill,  and  was  in  full 
view  of  the  enemy,  who  immediately  opened  a  warm  fire,  not  only 
from  the  work,  but  on  his  right  flank.  Throwing  out  his  two  first 
divisions  as  skirmishers,  he  rushed  down  the  slope  to  the  work. 
The  engineer  company  and  rifles  had  been  thrown  across  an  inter 
vening  ravine,  under  the  brow  of  the  slope,  and  from  that  position 
swept  it  in  front  of  his  column,  and  then,  inclining  towards  their  left, 
joined  in  the  attack  on  the  troops  outside  of  the  left  bank  of  the  fort. 
In  the  mean  time,  General  Cadwalader  followed  the  route  taken  by 
Riley,  and  forming  his  columns  as  the  troops  came  up,  moved  on 
to  his  (Riley's)  support.  The  first  brigade  had  been  ordered  to  fol- 


SMITH   AT   CONTREROS.  121 

low  the  same  route ;  but,  while  it  was  still  marching  in  that  direc 
tion  by  its  right  flank  up  the  ravine,  and  nearly  opposite  the  work, 
seeing  a  large  body  of  the  enemy  on  its  left  flank,  I  ordered  Major 
Dimick  to  face  the  brigade  to  the  left,  and,  advancing  in  line,  attack 
this  force  in  flank.  This  was  done  in  the  finest  style,  and  the  1st 
artillery  and  3d  infantry,  mounting  the  bank  of  the  ravine,  rushing 
down  the  next,  and  up  its  opposite  bank,  met  the  enemy  outside  of 
the  work  just  as  Riley's  brigade  poured  into  it,  and  the  whole  giving 
way.  Cavalry,  formed  in  line  for  the  charge,  yielding  to  the  bayo 
nets  of  our  foot,  the  rout  was  complete,  while  Riley's  brigade  cleared 
the  work,  and  planted  their  colours  on  it.  The  two  first  pieces  cap 
tured,  which  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  4th  artillery,  proved  to  be 
the  pieces  lost  (but  without  loss  of  honour)  by  a  company  of  that 
very  regiment  at  Buena  Vista.  Leaving  a  force  to  collect  and  guard 
the  captured  ordnance,  the  pursuit  was  continued  down  the  road. 

"  This,  it  will  be  recollected,  passed  not  more  than  half  a  mile 
off  the  garden  and  house  occupied  by  a  part  of  General  Shields' 
brigade,  placed  there  to  intercept  the  retreat  of  the  enemy.  This 
skilful  and  gallant  officer,  when  we  marched,  had  spread  his  men 
over  the  line  we  had  occupied,  and  directed  them  to  make  fires  to 
wards  daylight,  as  though  preparing  their  breakfast.  The  enemy 
in  front  had,  during  the  night,  placed  batteries  along  the  line,  and 
in  the  morning  moved  detachments  forward  to  take  in  flank  the  at 
tack  he  saw  we  were  meditating  the  night  before,  which  he  was 
prepared  to  meet ;  supposing,  from  the  indications  he  found,  that 
we  were  still  in  force  in  the  village.  When,  after  daylight,  he  saw 
a  column  moving  on  Contreros,  [the  entrenched  camp,]  and  already 
prepared  to  turn  it,  he  must  have  supposed  we  had  been  strongly 
reinforced ;  for  his  movements  to  and  fro  indicated  great  perplexity. 
His  doubts  were  soon  resolved,  however,  by  the  loss  of  Contreros, 
[the  camp,]  and  he  immediately  commenced  a  hasty  retreat  along 
the  top  of  the  hill,  inclining  towards  the  San  Angel  road.  Shields' 
force  (five  or  six  hundred  men)  having,  under  his  skilful  direction, 
thus  disposed  of  one  enemy,  he  turned  to  the  other,  who,  in  their 
flight,  found  themselves  intercepted  at  the  garden,  and,  under  the 
sure  fire  of  the  South  Carolina  regiment,  broke  away  over  the  op 
posite  fields,  and,  taking  shelter  in  the  ditches  and  ravines,  escaped, 
many  of  them,  to  the  rocks.  Two  squadrons  of  cavalry,  either  by 
chance  or  a  wise  design,  in  a  narrow  part  of  the  road  between  the 
11 


122  GENERAL    SMITH. 

wall  and  dyke,  laid  down  their  arms,  and  so  choked  the  way,  that 
the  pursuit  was  interrupted  for  upwards  of  twenty  minutes,  which 
sufficed  (we  having  no  cavalry)  for  the  safety  of  many  of  the  fugi 
tives.  A  large  body  escaped  upwards  towards  the  mountains.  1 
did  not  pursue  them,  being  entirely  out  of  our  direction. 

"Accounts  from  Mexican  officers,  intercepted  since  the  battle, 
inform  us  that  there  were  seven  thousand  in  and  about  Contreros, 
[the  entrenched  camp,]  commanded  by  General  Valencia,  and  up 
wards  of  twelve  thousand  in  front  of  Encelda,  [or  the  hamlet  of 
Contreros,]  in  reserve,  commanded  by  General  Santa  Anna.  We 
killed  seven  hundred,  and  took  fifteen  hundred  prisoners,  among 
them  several  generals.  We  captured  twenty-two  pieces  of  brass 
ordnance,  viz :  four  Spanish  sixteen-pounders,  four  eight-inch  how 
itzers,  two  five  and  a  half-inch  howitzers,  six  six-pounders,  and  six 
smaller  pieces,  with  a  large  amount  of  shells  and  other  ammunition. 
We  also  took  seven  hundred  pack  mules  and  many  horses,  and  an 
immense  number  of  small-arms,  which  we  destroyed.  After  direct 
ing  the  prisoners  and  property  to  be  collected,  I  directed  the  pursuit 
to  be  continued,  and  was  forming  the  column,  when  General  Twiggs 
arrived.  He  immediately  ordered  the  most  vigorous  pursuit,  and 
we  moved  forwards.  As  we  approached  San  Angel,  the  rifles  were 
again  thrown  forward  as  skirmishers,  and  entered  the  town  at  the 
heels  of  the  enemy's  lancers,  capturing  an  ammunition  wagon. 
Here  General  Pillow  assumed  command,  and  at  Coyoacan  the 
commander-in-chief.  *  *  *  * 

"  At  this  time  the  tremendous  fire  from  the  neighbourhood  of  the 
church,  showed  clearly,  not  only  that  there  was  a  strong  force  sta 
tioned  there,  but  that  there  was  also  a  more  considerable  work  than 
was  at  first  supposed  ;  but  being  all  surrounded  by  very  high  corn, 
its  form  could  not  be  discovered.  It  afterwards  proved  that  the 
place  was  regularly  fortified.  The  church  buildings  formed  a  large 
square ;  the  lower  front  towards  us  was  chiefly  a  wall  scaffolded  for 
infantry.  Behind  it  rose  a  higher  building,  also  covered  with  infan 
try  ;  behind  it  the  church,  and  the  high  steeple  on  its  right  flank, 
also  filled  with  men.  In  front  of  the  first  was  a  curtain,  connecting 
two  salient  angles  which  flanked  it,  and  were  continued  back  to  the 
side  walls  of  the  church.  It  was  garrisoned  by  about  two  thousand 
men,  and  mounted  seven  pieces.  What  was  supposed  the  one-gun 
battery,  was  the  right  salient  angle  which  enfiladed  the  road  from 


SMITH   AT    CHURUBUSCO.  123 

Coyoacan  ;  so  that  when  the  1st  artillery  attempted  to  turn  it,  they 
found  themselves  in  front  of  this  curtain,  and  exposed  to  all  the  mus 
ketry  of  the  walls  beyond.  They,  however,  stood  their  ground 
with  great  loss,  getting  such  cover  as  the  ground  afforded,  and  firing 
at  the  embrasures  when  opportunity  offered.  It  was  now  reported 
that  the  other  brigade  (Riley's)  was  ordered  round  to  the  right  of 
the  work,  and  General  Pillow's  division  to  its  left.  I  therefore 
ordered  the  3d  infantry  to  be  ready,  so  soon  as  the  fire  of  these  corps 
began  to  tell,  to  advance  under  the  cover  of  some  huts  near  the 
right  bastion,  and,  after  silencing  the  fire  of  its  musketry,  to  assault 
it.  In  the  mean  time,  Taylor's  battery  had  continued  its  fire 
uninterrupted  by  the  severest  shower  of  grape,  canister,  musketry, 
round  shot  and  shell,  within  short  musket  range,  that  was  ever 
witnessed.  The  conduct  of  Captain  Taylor,  Lieutenant  French, 
and  the  men  who  remained  unhurt,  was  the  admiration  of  all  who 
witnessed  it.  The  pieces  were  served  as  though  on  drill,  while 
two  of  the  officers,  Lieutenants  Martin  and  Boynton,  and  twenty 
men  wounded,  and  fifteen  horses  crippled,  laid  around,  and  testified 
to  the  danger  -of  their  position.  Hearing  now  the  fire  from  the 
other  corps,  and  finding  that  of  the  work  to  be  less  steady,  I  directed 
Captain  Alexander  (commanding  the  3d  infantry)  to  advance  to  the 
position  indicated,  and  commence  his  work. 

"After  clearing  the  ramparts  partially  of  their  men,  the  3d 
rushed  over  the  bastion,  led  by  Captain  J.  M.  Smith  and  Lieu 
tenant  Shepherd,  and  their  companies,  and  a  part  of  the  1st  artil 
lery,  over  the  curtain,  when  the  garrison  held  out  a  white  flag,  and 
urrendered  to  Captain  Smith,  who  was  fortunate  enough  to  be 
the  first  in  the  work.  Many  had  escaped  from  the  back  of  the 
church;  but  one  hundred  and  four  officers,  among  them  several 
generals,  and  eleven  hundred  and  fifty-five  men  were  counted  after 
the  surrender.  It  is  proper  here  to  observe,  in  order  to  prevent 
errors  hereafter,  that  after  Captain  Alexander's  command  had 
received  the  surrender  of  the  garrison,  and  had  gone  up  into  the 
gallery  of  the  front  house  with  General  Rincon,  from  which  he  was 
displaying  the  colours  of  his  regiment,  a  staff  officer  from  another 
division,  who  had  seen  the  white  flag  still  flying,  rode  into  the 
work  to  receive  the  surrender  which  had  been  made  some  time 
before  to  Captain  Alexander.  Seven  pieces  of  brass  cannon, 
much  ammunition  and  small-arms,  the  prisoners  before  mentioned, 


124  GENERAL    SMITH. 

and  an  important  position,  were  the  fruits  of  this  victory.  I  should 
have  mentioned  before  that  Captain  Craig  had  in  the  morning 
rejoined  the  regiment  with  the  three  companies  left  with  Captain 
Magruder;  and  those  companies  of  riflemen  who  had  been  left 
in  the  pedregal,  [field  of  rocks  and  lavaj  had  also  joined  the 
regiment." 

General  Smith  was  appointed  one  of  the  negotiators  for  the 
armistice,  and  took  an  active  part  in  the  subsequent  operations  be 
fore  the  capital ;  the  detailed  accounts  of  which  have  been  given 
elsewhere.  He  is  now  with  the  commander-in-chief,  at  the 
capital. 


GENERAL  SHIELDS. 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  SHIELDS. 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JAMES  SHIELDS,  though  appointed  to  the 
army  from  Illinois,  is  a  native  of  Ireland.  He  marched  with  the 
Central  Division,  under  General  Wool,  but  left  on  its  arrival  at  Mon- 
clova,  thus  losing  an  opportunity  to  participate  in  the  battle  of  Buena 
Vista.  He  was  at  the  siege  of  Vera  Cruz,  and  in  the  battle  of  Sierra 
Gordo  received  a  musket-ball  through  the  lungs.  His  recovery 
from  this  wound  seems  almost  miraculous. 

The  services  he  performed  on  the  19th  and  20th  of  August,  to 
gether  with  his  admirable  deception  of  the  enemy  during  their 
retreat  from  Contreros,  we  give  in  his  own  words : 

"  Directing  my  march  upon  the  village  near  Contreros,  the  troops 
had  to  pass  over  ground  covered  with  rocks  and  crags,  and  filled 
with  chasms,  which  rendered  the  road  almost  impassable.  A  deep 
rugged  ravine,  along  the  bed  of  which  rolled  a  rapid  stream,  was 
passed,  after  dark,  with  great  difficulty  and  exertion ;  and  to  rest 
the  wearied  troops  after  crossing,  I  directed  them  to  lie  upon  their 
arms  until  midnight.  While  occupying  this  position,  two  strong 
pickets,  thrown  out  by  my  orders,  discovered,  fired  upon,  and  drove 
back  a  body  of  Mexican  infantry  moving  through  the  fields  in  a 
direction  from  their  position  towards  the  city.  I  have  since  learned 
that  an  attempt  had  in  like  manner  been  made  by  the  enemy  to 
pass  the  position  on  the  main  road  occupied  by  the  1st  regiment  of 
artillery,  and  with  a  like  want  of  success.  About  midnight  I  again 
resumed  the  march,  and  joined  Brigadier-General  Smith  in  the  vil 
lage  already  referred  to. 

"  General  Smith,  previous  to  my  arrival,  had  made  the  most  judi 
cious  arrangement  for  turning  and  surprising  the  Mexican  position 
about  daybreak,  and  with  which  I  could  not  wish  to  interfere.   This 
11*  T*  (125) 


126  BRIGADIER-GENERAL    SHIELDS. 

cast  upon  my  command  the  necessity  of  holding  the  position  to  be 
evacuated  by  General  Smith,  and  which  was  threatened  by  the 
enemy's  artillery  and  infantry  on  the  right,  and  a  large  force  of  his 
cavalry  on  the  left.  About  daybreak  the  enemy  opened  a  brisk  fire 
of  grape  and  round  shot  upon  the  church  and  village  in  which  my 
brigade  was  posted,  as  also  upon  a  part  of  our  own  troops  displayed 
to  divert  him  on  his  right  and  front  —  evidently  unaware  of  the 
movement  in  progress  to  turn  his  position  by  the  left  and  rear. 
This  continued  until  Colonel  Riley's  brigade  opened  its  fire  from 
the  rear,  which  was  delivered  with  such  terrible  effect,  that  the 
whole  Mexican  force  was  thrown  into  the  utmost  consternation. 

"  At  this  juncture,  I  ordered  the  two  regiments  of  my  command 
to  throw  themselves  on  the  main  road,  by  which  the  enemy  must 
retire,  to  intercept  and  cut  off  his  retreat ;  and,  although  officers 
and  men  had  suffered  severely  during  the  march  of  the  night,  and 
from  exposure  without  shelter  or  cover  to  the  incessant  rain  until 
daybreak,  this  movement  was  executed  in  good  order,  and  with  ra 
pidity.  The  Palmetto  regiment,  crossing  a  deep  ravine,  deployed 
on  both  sides  of  the  road,  and  opened  a  most  destructive  fire  upon  the 
mingled  masses  of  infantry  and  cavalry ;  and  the  New  York  regi 
ment,  brought  into  line  lower  down,  and  on  the  roadside,  delivered 
its  fire  with  a  like  effect.  At  this  point  many  of  the  enemy  were 
killed  and  wounded  ;  some  three  hundred  and  sixty-five  captured, 
of  which  twenty-five  were  officers,  and  amongst  the  latter  was 
General  Nicolas  Mendoza. 

"  In  the  meanwhile  the  enemy's  cavalry,  about  three  thousand 
strong,  which  had  been  threatening  our  position  during  the  morning, 
moved  down  towards  us  in  good  order,  and  as  if  to  attack.  I  imme 
diately  recalled  the  infantry,  to  place  them  in  position  to  meet  the 
threatened  movement ;  but  soon  the  cavalry  changed  its  direction 
and  retreated  toward  the  capital.  I  now  received  an  order  from 
General  Twiggs  to  advance  by  the  main  road  towards  Mexico  ;  and 
having  posted  Captain  Marshall's  company  of  South  Carolina 
volunteers  and  Captain  Taylor's  New  York  volunteers,  in  charge 
of  the  prisoners  and  wounded,  J  moved  off  with  the  remainder  of 
my  force,  and  joined  the  positions  of  the  2d  and  3d  divisions,  already 
en  route  on  the  main  road.  On  this  march  we  were  joined  by  the 
general-in-chief,  who  assumed  command  of  the  whole,  and  the  march 
continued  uninterruplrd  until  we  arrived  before  Churubusco.  Here 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL    SHIELDS.  127 

the  enemy  was  found  strongly  fortified,  and  posted  with  his  main 

force — probably  twenty-five  thousand. 

#  *  *  ##*##* 

"  Leaving  Coyoacan  by  a  left-hand  road,  and  advancing  about  a 
mile  upon  it,  I  moved  thence  with  my  command  towards  the  right, 
through  a  heavy  corn-field,  and  gained  an  open  but  swampy  field, 
in  which  is  situated  the  hacienda  de  Jos  Partales.  On  the  edge  of  this 
field,  beyond  the  hacienda,  I  discovered  the  road  by  which  the  ene 
my  must  retire  from  Churubusco,  and  found  that  his  reserve  of  about 
four  thousand  infantry  already  occupied  it,  just  in  rear  of  the  town. 
As  my  command  arrived,  I  established  the  right  upon  a  point  re 
commended  by  Captain  Lee,  engineer  officer,  in  whose  skill  and 
judgment  I  had  the  utmost  confidence,  and  commenced  a  move 
ment  to  the  left  to  flank  the  enemy  on  his  right,  and  throw  my  troops 
between  him  and  the  city ;  but  finding  his  right  supported  by  a 
heavy  body  of  cavalry  of  some  three  thousand  strong,  and  seeing, 
too,  that  with  his  infantry  he  answered  to  my  movements  by  a  cor 
responding  one  towards  his  right  flank,  gaining  ground  faster  than 
I  could,  owing  to  the  heavy  mud  and  swamp  through  which  I  had 
to  operate,  I  withdrew  the  men  to  the  cover  of  the  hacienda,  and 
determined  to  attack  him  upon  his  front.  I  selected  the  Palmetto 
regiment  as  the  base  of  my  line,  and  this  gallant  regiment  moved 
forward  firmly  and  rapidly,  under  a  fire  of  musketry  as  terrible, 
perhaps,  as  any  which  soldiers  ever  faced ;  the  New  York,  12lh 
and  15th  deployed  gallantly  on  the  right,  and  the  9th  on  the  left, 
and  the  whole  advanced,  opening  their  fire  as  they  came  up,  and 
moving  steadily  forward.  The  enemy  began  to  waver,  and  when 
my  order  to  charge  was  given,  the  men  rushed  upon  and  scattered 
his  broken  ranks.  As  we  reached  the  road,  the  advance  of  Worth's 
command  appeared,  driving  the  enemy  from  his  stronghold  of  Chu 
rubusco.  I  took  command  of  the  front,  and  continued  in  pursuit 
until  passed  by  Harney  with  his  cavalry,  who  followed  the  routed 
foe  into  the  very  gates  of  the  city. 

"  In  this  terrible  battle,  in  which  a  strongly-fortified  enemy  fought 
behind  his  works,  under  the  walls  of  his  capital,  our  loss  is  neces 
sarily  severe.  This  loss,  I  regret  to  say,  has  fallen  most  severely 
upon  my  command.  In  the  two  regiments  of  my  own  brigade, 
numbering  about  six  hundred  in  the  fight,  the  loss  is  reported  two 
hundred  and  forty  in  killed  and  wounded. 


128  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   SHIELDS. 

"  In  this  last  engagement  my  command  captured  three  hundred 
and  eighty  prisoners,  including  six  officers.  Of  this  number  forty- 
two  had  deserted  from  the  American  army  during  the  war,  and  at 
their  head  we  found  the  notorious  O'Reilly,  who  had  fought  against 
our  troops  at  Monterey  and  elsewhere.  A  particular  and  detailed 
report  of  the  loss,  as  also  of  the  prisoners  captured  by  this  command, 
accompanies  this  report." 

In  the  recent  glorious  battles  of  Mexico,  Shields  has  exhibited 
the  same  reckless  daring,  the  sa'me  impetuosity  and  ability  which 
he  evinced  at  Sierra  Gordo.  He  again  received  a  severe,  though 
not  dangerous  wound. 

The  personal  appearance  of  the  general  is  thus  described  by  a 
visitor  during  his  recent  tour  to  the  United  States,  where  he  still 
remains. 

"  In  the  saloon  we  saw  the  gallant  General  Shields.  He  is  stouter 
than  when  we  saw  him,  some  two  years  since,  at  General  Taylor's 
camp  at  Camargo.  He  then,  in  his  undress  military  uniform, 
looked  like  an  elegant  gentleman.  He  had  not  a  wrinkle  on  his 
brow,  and  his  countenance  ever  wore  a  smile.  His  beard  was 
closely  shaven,  and  his  eyes  were  lighted  up  with  the  brilliant  fire 
of  hope.  And  yet,  how  a  short  term  of  service  alters  a  man  ? 
Yesterday  he  looked  like  the  hero  of  many  wars.  His  brow  was 
seamed  with  the  lines  of  fatigue  and  suffering,  and  his  upper  lip 
was  garnished  with  a  thick  moustache.  His  complexion  was 
bronzed,  his  arm,  from  a  late  wound,  hung  in  a  sling;  but  his  eye 
was  still  brilliant  with  martial  fire.  There  were  hundreds  who 
flocked  around  him  and  sought  to  grasp  his  hand,  and  all  were  re 
ceived  by  him  with  the  most  cordial  warmth  and  friendship.  Those 
around  looked  upon  the  gallant  hero  with  feelings  of  respect  and 
admiration,  and  there  was  not  one  in  that  broad  saloon  who  went 
out,  without  saying  in  his  heart,  « that  man  is  a  true  soldier.'  " 


BRIGADIER-GENEKAL  LANE. 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOSEPH  LANE  is  a  native  of  North  Carolina, 
but  was  appointed  to  the  army  from  Illinois.  He  entered  the  army 
July  1st,  1846,  and  marched  to  Mexico  as  one  of  General  Wool's 
column.  The  following  is  his  own  account  of  his  operations  at 
Buena  Vista  :— 

"About  nine  o'clock  I  was  informed  by  Colonel  Churchill  that 
the  enemy  were  advancing  toward  my  position  in  great  force,  shel 
tering  themselves  in  a  deep  ravine  which  runs  up  towards  the 
mountain  directly  in  my  front.  I  immediately  put  my  columns  in 
motion,  consisting  of  those  eight  battalion  companies,  and  Lieutenant 
O'Brien's  battery,  amounting  in  all  to  about  four  hundred  men,  to 
meet  them.  The  enemy,  when  they  deployed  from  the  ravine  and 
appeared  on  the  ridge,  displayed  a  force  of  about  four  thousand  in 
fantry,  supported  by  a  large  body  of  lancers.  The  infantry  imme 
diately  opened  a  most  destructive  fire,  which  was  returned  by  my 
small  command,  both  infantry  and  artillery,  in  a  most  gallant  manner 
for  some  time.  I  soon  perceived  that  I  was  too  far  from  the  enemy 
for  my  muskets  to  take  that  deadly  effect  which  I  desired,  and  im 
mediately  sent  my  aid-de-camp  to  Lieutenant  O'Brien,  directing  him 
to  place  his  battery  in  a  more  advanced  position,  with  the  determi 
nation  of  advancing  my  whole  line.  By  this  movement  I  should 
not  only  be  near  the  enemy,  but  should  also  bring  the  company  on 
my  extreme  left  more  completely  into  action,  as  the  brow  of  the  hill 
impeded  their  fire.  By  this  time  the  enemy's  fire  of  musketry,  and 
the  raking  fire  of  ball  and  grape-shot  of  their  battery  posted  on  my 
left  flank  had  become  terrible,  and  my  infantry  instead  of  advancing 
as  was  ordered,  I  regret  to  say,  retired  in  some  disorder  from  their 
position,  notwithstanding  my  own  and  the  severe  efforts  of  my  offi 
cers  to  prevent  them.  About  the  same  time,  the  riflemen  and  ca- 

(129) 


130  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   LANE. 

valry  on  the  mountains  retired  to  the  plain  below.  The  Arkansas 
cavalry,  who  had  been  posted  by  your  orders  in  my  rear,  at  the  base 
of  the  mountain,  to  act  as  circumstances  might  require,  also  left  their 
position,  the  whole  making  a  retreating  movement  along  the  plain 
towards  the  rear.  At  the  same  time  one  of  the  Illinois  regiments, 
not  under  my  command,  but  stationed  at  some  distance  in  rear  of 
the  right  of  my  position,  also  retired  to  the  rear.  These  troops,  the 
most  of  them,  were  immediately  rallied,  and  fought  during  the 
whole  day  like  veterans.  A  few  of  them,  I  regret  to  -say,  did  not 
return  to  the  field  at  all.  By  this  apparent  success  the  enemy  were 
much  elated,  and  poured  down  along  the  side  of  the  mountain,  on 
the  extreme  left  of  the  field,  their  thousands  of  infantry  and  lancers, 
and  formed  themselves  in  good  order  along  the  mountain  fronting 
perpendicularly  to  where  our  lines  had  been  posted.  At  this  critical 
juncture,  the  Mississippi  regiment,  under  the  command  of  Colonel 
Davis,  arrived  on  the  field,  and  being  joined  by  a  part  of  the  2d 
Indiana,  met  the  enemy  in  a  most  gallant  style,  and,  after  a  severe 
and  bloody  engagement,  repulsed  them  with  great  loss.  In  the 
mean  time  a  large  body  of  lancers,  six  or  eight  hundred  in  num 
ber,  who  had  passed  down  along  the  left  toward  our  rear,  made 
a  most  desperate  charge  upon  the  Arkansas  and  Kentucky  cavalry, 
with  a  view  of  cutting  off  and  plundering  the  baggage-train  of  the 
army,  which  was  at  a  rancho  near  the  battle-field. 

"This  charge  was  met  and  resisted  most  gallantly  by  those 
cavalry,  aided  by  about  two  hundred  infantry  who  had  taken  refuge 
there  after  they  had  retired  from  the  field.  This  repulse  discouraged 
the  enemy;  and  the  Mississippi  regiment  and  part  of  the  2d  Indiana, 
being  joined  by  the  3d  Indiana  regiment,  commanded  by  Colonel 
James  H.  Lane,  now  advanced  up  towards  the  foot  of  the  mountain 
for  the  purpose  of  dislodging  the  enemy's  force  stationed  there.  In 
this  enterprise  I  was  aided  by  Captain 's  battery  of  light  artil 
lery,  and  it  was  crowned  with  complete  success,  the  enemy  re 
treating  in  disorder,  and  with  immense  loss,  back  along  the  side  of 
the  mountain  to  the  position  which  they  had  occupied  in  the  morn 
ing  ;  some  flying  in  terror  up  the  sides  of  the  mountain,  and  into  the 
ravines,  while  a  few  were  taken  prisoners.  Amongst  the  last  des 
perate  attempts  of  the  enemy  to  regain  and  hold  the  left  of  the  field, 
was  a  charge  made  by  a  large  body  of  lancers  upon  my  command. 
This  charge,  for  gallantry  and  determined  bravery  on  both  sides, 


LANE    AT    HUAMANTLA.  131 

has  seldom  been  equalled.  The  forces  on  either  side  were  nearly 
equal  in  numbers.  Instead  of  throwing  my  command  into  squares 
to  resist  the  charge,  the  enemy  were  received  in  line  of  two  ranks, 
my  force  reserving  its  fire  until  the  enemy  were  within  about  se 
venty  yards,  which  was  delivered  with  a  deadly  aim,  and  which 
proved  most  destructive  in  its  effects  —  the  enemy  flying  in  every 
direction  in  disorder,  and  making  a  precipitate  retreat  towards  their 
own  lines.  About  sunset  the  enemy  withdrew  from  the  field,  and 
the  battle  ceased.  In  a  brief  report  it  is  impossible  to  enter  into  the 
details  of  a  day  like  the  23d.  The  fighting  throughout  consisted  of 
different  engagements  in  different  parts  of  the  field,  the  whole  of 
them  warm  and  well-contested ;  many  of  them  bloody  and  terrible. 
The  men  under  my  command  actually  discharged  eighty,  and  some 
ninety,  rounds  of  cartridges  at  the  enemy  during  the  day.  The  2d 
regiment  of  my  command,  which  opened  the  battle  on  the  plain  in 
such  gallant  style,  deserves  a  passing  remark.  I  shall  attempt  to 
make  no  apology  for  their  retreat ;  for  it  was  their  duty  to  stand  or 
die  to  the  last  man  until  they  received  orders  to  retire ;  but  I  desire 
to  call  your  attention  to  one  fact  connected  with  this  affair.  They 
remained  in  their  position,  in  line,  receiving  the  fire  of  three  or 
four  thousand  infantry  in  front,  exposed  at  the  same  time  on  the 
left  flank  to  a  most  desperate  raking  fire  from  the  enemy1  s  battery 
posted  within  point-blank  shot,  until  they  had  deliberately  dis 
charged  twenty  rounds  of  cartridges  at  the  enemy" 

On  the  9th  of  October,  1847,  General  Lane  fought  the  battle  of 
Huamantla ;  and  on  the  18th,  he  bombarded  and  captured  the  town 
of  Atlixco.  His  despatches  contain  full  details  of  these  two  affairs : — 
"  After  my  departure  from  Vera  Cruz,  and  when  near  the  San 
Juan  river,  a  party  of  guerillas  was  observed  near  the  hacienda  of 
Santa  Anna.  Captain  Lewis's  company  of  mounted  volunteers  was 
detached  in  pursuit;  a  portion  of  the  command,  under  Lieutenant 
Lilley,  came  upon  the  enemy,  and  had  a  smart  skirmish  with  them. 
Lieutenant  Lilley  behaved  in  the  most  gallant  manner,  rallying  and 
encouraging  his  men  under  a  severe  fire.  Upon  leaving  Paso  de 
Ovejas,  the  rear-guard  was  fired  upon  by  a  small  guerilla  force,  and 
1  regret  to  have  to  announce  the  death  of  Lieutenant  Cline,  who  was 
shot  in  the  affair.  He  is  reported  to  have  been  a  most  energetic  and 
efficient  young  officer,  belonging  to  Captain  Lewis's  company  of 
Louisiana  mounted  volunteers. 


J32  BRIGADIER-GENERAL    LANE. 

"  At  various  points  on  the  road  rumours  reached  me  that  a  large 
force  was  concentrating  between  Perote  and  Puebla.  These  rumours 
were  confirmed  on  my  arrival  at  the  former  place,  and  I  also  received 
the  additional  intelligence  that  Santa  Anna  in  person  commanded 
them,  having  about  four  thousand  men  and  six  pieces  of  artillery. 
No  molestation  occurred  until  my  arrival  at  the  hacienda  of  San 
Antonio  Tamaris,  at  which  place,  through  the  medium  of  my  spies, 
I  learned  that  the  enemy  were  at  the  city  of  Huamantla.  My  force 
consisted  of  Colonel  Wynkoop's  battalion,  (from  Perote,)  Colonel 
Gorman's  regiment  of  Indiana  volunteers,  Captain  Heintzelman's 
battalion  of  six  companies,  Major  Lally's  regiment  of  four  companies 
of  mounted  men,  under  command  of  Captain  Samuel  H.  Walker, 
mounted  riflemen,  and  five  pieces  of  artillery  under  command  of 
Captain  George  Taylor,  3d  artillery,  assisted  by  Lieutenant  Field, 
artillery.  On  arriving  near  the  city,  at  about  one  o'clock  P.  M., 
Captain  Walker,  commanding  the  advance  guard,  (of  horsemen,) 
was  ordered  to  move  forward  ahead  of  the  column,  (but  within  sup 
porting  distance,)  to  the  entrance  of  the  city,  and  if  the  enemy  were 
in  force,  to  await  the  arrival  of  the  infantry  before  entering.  When 
within  about  three  miles,  parties  of  horsemen  being  seen  making 
their  way  through  the  fields  towards  the  city,  Captain  Walker  com 
manded  a  gallop.  Owing  to  the  thick  maguey  bushes  lining  the 
sides  of  the  road,  it  was  impossible  to  distinguish  his  further  move 
ments.  But  a  short  time  had  elapsed  when  firing  was  heard  from 
the  city.  The  firing  continuing,  the  column  was  pressed  forward 
as  rapidly  as  possible.  At  this  time  a  body  of  about  two  thousand 
lancers  was  seen  hurrying  over  the  hills  towards  the  city.  I  directed 
Colonel  Gorman,  with  his  regiment,  to  advance  towards  and  enter 
the  west  side  of  the  city,  while  Colonel  Wynkoop's  battalion,  with 
the  artillery,  moved  towards  the  east  side,  Captain  Heintzelman's 
moving  on  his  right,  and  Major  Lally's  constituting  the  reserve. 

"Upon  arriving  at  the  entrance  to  the  city,  Captain  Walker  dis 
covering  the  main  body  of  the  enemy  in  the  plaza,  (about  five  hun 
dred  in  number,)  ordered  a  charge.  A  hand-to-hand  conflict  took 
place  between  the  forces ;  but  so  resolute  was  the  charge,  that  the 
enemy  were  obliged  to  give  way,  being  driven  from  their  guns. 
They  were  pursued  by  our  dragoons  for  some  distance,  but  the  pur 
suit  was  checked  by  the  arrival  of  their  reinforcements.  Colonel 
Gorman's  regiment,  on  arriving  at  the  entrance  to  the  city  at  about 


LANE    AT   ATLTXCO.  133 

the  same  time  as  the  reinforcements  of  the  enemy,  opened  a  well- 
directed  fire,  which  succeeded  in  routing  them.  With  the  left  wing 
of  his  regiment  he  proceeded  in  person  towards  the  upper  part  of 
the  town,  where  the  enemy  still  were,  and  succeeded  in  dispersing 
them.  Colonel  Wynkoop's  command,  with  the  batteries,  assumed 
their  position ;  but  before  they  were  within  range  the  enemy  fled  in 
haste.  The  same  occurred  with  Captain  Heintzelman's  command. 
The  enemy  entering  the  town  becoming  somewhat  scattered,  Major 
Lally,  with  his  regiment,  proceeded  across  the  fields  to  cut  off  his 
rear  and  intercept  his  retreat.  This  movement  not  being  perceived, 
I  ordered  him  to  advance  towards  the  town  ;  thus  depriving  him, 
unintentionally,  of  an  opportunity  of  doing  good  service.  Captain 
Walker's  force  had  been  engaged  some  three-quarters  of  an  hour 
before  the  infantry  arrived  to  his  support.  He  succeeded  in  capturing 
two  pieces  of  artillery  from  the  enemy,  but  was  not  able  to  use  them, 
owing  to  the  want  of  priming  tubes,  although  every  effort  was  made. 
On  this  occasion  every  officer  and  soldier  behaved  with  the  utmost 
coolness,  and  my  warmest  thanks  are  due  to  them.  *  *  * 
"  The  colours  of  the  Indiana  regiment  were  planted  on  the  arsenal 
the  moment  the  enemy  were  routed.  This  victory  is  saddened  by 
the  loss  of  one  of  the  most  chivalric,  noble-hearted  men  that  graced 
the  profession  of  arms — Captain  Samuel  H.  Walker,  of  the  mounted 
riflemen.  Foremost  in  the  advance,  he  had  routed  the  enemy  when 
he  fell  mortally  wounded.  In  his  death  the  service  has  met  with  a 
loss  which  cannot  easily  be  repaired.  Our  total  loss  is  thirteen  killed 
and  eleven  wounded.  We  succeeded  in  capturing  one  six-pounder 
brass  gun  and  one  mountain  howitzer,  both  mounted,  together  with 
a  large  quantity  of  ammunition  and  wagons,  which  I  was  compelled 
to  destroy.  The  enemy's  loss  was  about  one  hundred  and  fifty." 
The  following  is  his  report  of  the  taking  of  Atlixco : 
"About  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  when  near  Santa  Isabella,  seven 
leagues  from  this  place,  the  advance  guard  of  the  enemy  was  dis 
covered.  A  halt  was  ordered  until  the  cavalry,  which  had  pre 
viously  been  detached  to  examine  a  hacienda,  should  arrive.  The 
enemy,  with  his  accustomed  bravado,  came  to  the  foot  of  the  hill  in 
small  parties,  firing  their  escopetas  and  waving  their  lances.  On 
the  arrival  of  tha  cavalry  a  forward  movement  was  made  by  the 
column.  A  large  deep  ravine  appearing  on  the  left  of  the  road, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Moore,  with  his  Ohio  regiment,  was  ordered  to 
12 


134  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   LANE. 

flank  it,  Major  Lally  with  his  battalion  leading  the  advance.  Our 
column  had  scarcely  commenced  its  movement,  when  signs  of  con 
fusion  were  visible  among  the  enemy,  in  consequence  of  which, 
the  cavalry  was  ordered  to  charge,  follow  them  up,  and  engage 
them  until  the  infantry  could  arrive.  Lieutenant  Pratt,  with  his 
battery,  was  ordered  to  follow  in  rear  of  the  dragoons  at  a  gallop. 
Had  this  movement  been  performed,  the  whole  force  would  have 
been  ours.  But  by  an  order  from  Major  Lally,  Lieutenant  Pratt 
was  taken  from  the  place  assigned  him  by  me,  and  in  consequence 
detained  until  a  greater  portion  of  the  column  had  passed ;  then, 
owing  to  the  nature  of  the  ground,  it  was  impossible  for  his  battery 
to  proceed  with  rapidity. 

"  The  cavalry  pursued  the  retreating  enemy  for  about  a  mile  and 
a  half,  skirmishing  with  them.  On  arriving  at  a  small  hill,  they 
made  a  stand  and  fought  severely  until  our  infantry  appeared,  when 
they  took  flight.  Our  artillery  fired  a  few  shots  as  soon  as  it  came 
up,  but  without  effect,  as  by  their  rapid  retreat  they  had  placed 
themselves  at  Jong  range.  The  dragoons  were  again  ordered  to 
follow  and  keep  them  engaged.  After  a  running  fight  of  about 
four  miles,  and  when  within  a  mile  and  a  half  of  Atlixco,  the  whole 
body  of  the  enemy  was  discovered  on  a  hill  side,  covered  with  chap- 
paral,  forming  hedges,  behind  which  they  had  posted  themselves. 
Our  cavalry  dashed  among  them,  cutting  them  down  in  great  num 
bers.  So  thick  was  the  chapparal  that  the  dragoons  were  ordered 
to  dismount  and  fight  them  on  foot.  A  most  bloody  conflict  ensued, 
fatal  to  the  enemy.  Our  infantry  for  the  last  six  miles  had  been 
straining  themselves  to  the  utmost  to  overtake  the  enemy,  pressing 
forward  most  arduously,  notwithstanding  the  forced  march  of  sixteen 
miles  since  eleven  o'clock.  Owing  to  the  nature  of  the  road,  al 
most  entirely  destroyed  by  gullies,  the  artillery  could  only  advance 
at  a  walk.  As  soon  as  the  infantry  again  appeared  in  sight,  the 
enemy  again  retreated.  So  worn  out  were  our  horses,  (the  sun 
having  been  broiling  hot  «H  day,)  that  they  could  pursue  the  enemy 
no  further.  The  column  was  pressed  forward  as  rapidly  as  possible 
towards  the  town  ;  but  night  had  already  shut  in,  giving  us,  how 
ever,  the  advantage  of  a  fine  moonlight.  As  we  approached,  several 
shots  were  fired  at  us,  and,  deeming  it  unsafe  to  risk  a  street  fight 
in  an  unknown  town  at  night,  I  ordered  the  artillery  to  be  posted  on 
a  hill  near  to  the  town,  and  overlooking  it,  and  open  its  fire  Now 


*  LANE   AT   ATLIXCO.  135 

ensued  one  of  the  most  beautiful  sights  conceivable.  Every  gun 
was  served  with  the  utmost  rapidity  ;  and  the  crash  of  the  walls  and 
the  roofs  of  the  houses,  when  struck  by  our  shot  and  shell,  was 
mingled  with  the  roar  of  our  artillery.  The  bright  light  of  the 
moon  enabled  us  to  direct  our  shots  to  the  most  thickly  populated 
parts  of  the  town. 

"After  firing  three-quarters  of  an  hour,  and  the  firing  from  the 
town  having  ceased,  I  ordered  Major  Lally  and  Colonel  Brough  to 
advance  cautiously  with  their  commands  into  the  town.  On  enter 
ing  I  was  waited  upon  by  the  ayuntamiento,  desiring  that  their  town 
might  be  spared.  After  searching  the  next  morning  for  arms  and 
ammunition,  and  disposing  of  what  was  found,  I  commenced  my 
return. 

"  General  Rea  had  two  pieces  of  artillery  ;  but  as  soon  as  he  was 
aware  of  our  approach,  he  ordered  them  with  haste  to  Matamoras, 
a  small  town  eleven  leagues  beyond.  The  enemy  state  their  own 
loss  in  this  action  to  be  two  hundred  and  nineteen  killed  and  three 
hundred  wounded.  On  our  part,  we  had  one  man  killed  and  one 
wounded.  Scarcely  ever  has  a  more  rapid  forced  march  been  made 
than  this,  and  productive  of  better  results.  Atlixco  has  been  the 
head-quarters  of  guerillas  in  this  section  of  country,  and  of  late  the 
seat  of  government  of  this  state.  From  hence  all  expeditions  have 
been  fitted  out  against  our  troops.  So  much  terror  has  been  im 
pressed  upon  them,  at  thus  having  war  brought  to  their  own  homes, 
that  I  am  inclined  to  believe  they  will  give  us  no  more  trouble." 

The  capture  of  Atlixco  has  been  the  last  military  achievement  of 
General  Lane,  and  he  now  remains  with  the  army  awaiting  the 
course  of  events. 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  CADWALADER. 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  GEORGE  CADWALADER  is  a  grandson  of  the 
illustrious  John  Cadwalader,  of  revolutionary  memory,  and  has 
lately  proven  himself  worthy  of  his  name  and  family.  He  acted  a 
conspicuous  part  in  quelling  the  Philadelphia  riots  in  Kensington 
and  Southwark,  in  the  year  1844,  and  was  appointed  to  the  army 
in  Mexico,  March  3d,  1847. 

Soon  after  his  arrival  at  the  seat  of  war,  a  small  party  under 
Colonel  Mclntosh  was  attacked  by  a  considerable  Mexican  force, 
and  experienced  some  loss.  In  a  few  days  it  was  joined  by  Gene 
ral  Cadwalader  with  eight  hundred  men  and  two  howitzers,  and  the 
whole  command  advanced  toward  the  National  Bridge.  On  ap 
proaching  it,  the  general  occupied  some  neighbouring  heights,  from 
which  the  enemy  had  previously  fired  on  a  party  under  Captain 
Bainbridge.  Here  he  was  attacked  by  a  large  Mexican  force,  sta 
tioned  on  the  ridges  and  in  the  chapparal,  and  a  battle  ensued  which 
lasted  several  hours.  During  this  time  several  brilliant  charges 
were  made,  the  enemy  driven  from  their  positions,  and  the  bridge 
successfully  passed.  The  troops  were  then  attacked  by  guerilla 
bands  stationed  in  the  thickets  along  the  road,  and  fired  upon  during 
several  miles  of  their  march.  The  total  loss  of  the  Mexicans  in 
this  affair  was  nearly  one  hundred ;  General  Cadwalader's  about 
fifty,  of  whom  fifteen  were  killed. 

In  his  report  of  Contreroj^General  Smith  uses  the  following 
complimentary  language  of  General  Cadwalader,  who  contributed 
materially  to  the  fall  of  that  stronghold. 

"  Brigadier-General  Cadwalader  [in  the  morning]  brought  his 
corps  up  from  his  intricate  bivouack  in  good  order,  formed  the  head 
of  his  column  to  support  Riley's,  and  led  it  forward  in  the  most 
(136) 


BRIGADIER. GENERAL  GEORGE  CADWALADER. 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL    CADWALADER.  137 

gallant  style  under  the  fire  directed  at  the  latter.  The  first  brigade 
was  conducted  by  Major  Dimick,  who  charged  in  line  with  it  on 
the  enemy's  left,  driving  before  him  the  force  formed  there  outside 
of  the  works,  and  putting  to  rout  a  far  superior  force,  displaying 
the  skill  of  the  commander  as  well  as  the  bravery  of  the  soldier. 
But  the  opportunity  afforded  by  his  position  to  Colonel  Riley  was 
seized  by  that  gallant  veteran  with  all  the  skill  and  energy  for  which 
he  is  distinguished.  The  charge  of  his  noble  brigade  down  the 
slope,  in  full  view  of  friend  and  foe,  unchecked  even  for  a  moment, 
until  he  had  planted  all  his  colours  upon  their  farthest  works,  was  a 
spectacle  that  animated  the  army  to  the  boldest  deeds." 

During  the  assault,  General  Cadwalader  was  stationed  in  rear  of 
the  fort,  to  watch  the  movements  of  Santa  Anna's  cavalry ;  and  in 
the  pursuit  of  the  enemy,  subsequent  to  the  victory,  he  exhibited  in 
defatigable  courage  and  perseverance.  His  operations  during  the 
remainder  of  the  day  are  included  with  those  of  the  generals  already 
noticed. 

The  following  spirited  account  of  Cadwalader's  participation  in 
the  storming  of  Molina  del  Rey,  is  from  the  pen  of  one  in  his  divi 
sion  : — 

"  General  Worth's  division  was  charged  with  this  duty,  as  it  was 
not  supposed  that  there  would  be  any  thing  of  a  fight,  and  it  would 
not  require  more  than  that  division  to  take  the  mill.  However, 
General  Cadwalader's  brigade  of  the  third  division,  was  brought 
into  the  field  as  a  supporting  column,  though  it  was  not  expected 
that  it  would  be  necessary  to  bring  it  into  the  fight.  Accordingly, 
the  troops  marched  from  Tacubaya,  about  three  o'clock  A.  M.,  on 
the  8th  of  September,  and  daylight  saw  them  drawn  up  in  position 
in  front  of  what  was  afterwards  ascertained  to  be  an  extensive  forti 
fication,  or  rather  a  series  of  fortifications,  defended  by  ten  thousand 
of  the  picked  troops  of  Mexico,  with  several  pieces  of  artillery. 

"  General  Worth's  division,  numbering  some  sixteen  or  eighteen 
hundred  men,  was  drawn  up  in  a  line,  about  a  cannon  shot's  distance 
from  the  fortification ;  and  General  Cadwalader's  brigade  was  in  line 
some  distance  in  Worth's  rear.  The  action  commenced  just  as  day 
began  to  dawn,  by  a  few  shots  from  Captain  Drum's  battery,  occu 
py  ing  "a  position  on  the  right  of  Worth's  division.  This  did  not 
continue  long ;  for  soon  the  spectator  could  observe  a  movement  on 
the  part  of  our  troops,  and  directly  an  enthusiastic  shout  arose  from 


138  BRIGADIER-GENERAL    CADWALADER. 

Worth's  ranks,  and  they  rushed  on  to  the  charge.  But  now  the 
Mexicans  opened  their  batteries  on  our  devoted  troops,  and  ten  thou 
sand  muskets  rang  their  crashing  accompaniment.  Our  men  went 
down  by  hundreds,  and  the  plain  was  strewed  with  their  dead  and 
mangled  bodies.  For  a  short  time  nothing  could  be  heard  but  an 
incessant  roar  of  artillery  and  small  arms ;  and  when  the  smoke 
arose  from  the  scene,  the  intensely  excited  spectator  might  have  seen 
our  troops  giving  way  before  the  dreadful  fire  of  the  enemy.  It  was 
an  awful  moment,  and  calculated  to  send  a  thrill  of  horror  through 
an  American  heart.  The  gallant  division  of  General  Worth  was 
forced  to  give  way.  Could  any  troops  stand  such  a  fire  ?  The  4th, 
6th,  and  8th  infantry,  were  compelled  to  retire  before  those  murder 
ous  batteries. 

"  General  Cadwalader,  seeing  the  situation  of  affairs,  moved  his 
brigade  forward,  to  retrieve  the  fortunes  of  the  day.  The  voltiguers, 
the  advance  regiment,  was  sent  off  to  the  left,  to  protect  Duncan's 
light  battery,  which  was  playing  on  the  mill,  and  to  keep  in  check 
a  large  force  of  the  enemy,  who  then  occupied  a  hill  near  the  scene 
of  action.  The  duty  was  performed,  and  the  enemy  driven  back 
several  times.  The  llth  regiment  was  ordered  to  charge  the  bat 
tery,  and  the  14th,  the  remaining  regiment  of  the  brigade,  was  held 
in  reserve.  The  llth  had  to  charge  over  the  same  ground  where 
fell  so  many  of  our  gallant  troops,  and  every  one  looked  for  its  an 
nihilation.  Their  gallant  leader,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Graham,  sat  on 
his  horse  in  the  coolest  manner,  and  gave  his  commands  as  collect 
edly  as  when  on  a  parade.  They  advance  steadily ;  but  now  the 
enemy  is  vomiting  his  grape  and  canister  upon  them,  and  they  leave 
a  train  of  dead  and  dying.  Do  they  falter  ?  No — their  gallant  com 
mander  is  waving  his  sword,  and  they  are  now  rushing  forward  in 
full  run.  On,  on  they  go  !  But,  see  —  do  they  halt  ?  They  do, 
but  it  is  for  a  moment.  Do  you  hear  that  shout  ?  Comes  it  from 
the  Mexican  ranks  ?  No — no  ;  that  is  a  true  Pennsylvania  shout, 
and  tells  of  danger  defied,  and  glory  to  be  won.  There  they  go, 
onward,  right  up  to  the  enemy's  guns.  Huzza  for  the  Old  Key 
stone  !  The  Mexicans  are  giving  way  before  our  gallant  little  band, 
who  are  now  dealing  vengeance  and  death  on  the  murderers  of  their 
slaughtered  countrymen.  Lieutenant  Tippin  is  the  first  to  spring 
into  the  fort ;  he  mounts  one  of  the  guns,  and  waves  his  sword  for 
his  men  to  come  on.  But  just  then,  an  unexpected  and  terrible  fire 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL    CADWALADER.  139 

salutes  him  from  the  top  of  the  building,  and  he  is  compelled  to  re 
tire,  being  grazed  by  several  balls.  And  see — the  enemy  are  rally 
ing  again,  and  returning  to  the  attack.  Their  success  at  the  com 
mencement  of  the  action  has  given  them  courage.  Will  the  llth, 
that  gallant  band,  be  crushed  now  ?  No  !  They  remain  firm  and 
determined.  Lieutenant  Johnson  has  just  fallen,  mortally  wounded ; 
he  expires  while  cheering  his  men  on  to  victory.  Captains  Irvin 
and  Guthrie  are  badly  wounded,  and  yet  they  are  both  on  the  field, 
animating  their  respective  commands,  and  leading  them  on  to  the 
attack." 

General  Cadwalader  entered  the  capital  with  his  gallant  associates 
in  arms,  and  is  now  with  General  Scott  at  the  National  Palace. 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  PIERCE. 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  FRANKLIN  PIERCE  was  appointed  to  the  army 
March  3d,  1847.  He  reached  the  gulf  coast  soon  after  the  capture 
of  Vera  Cruz.  His  operations  from  that  time  until  the  conclusion 
of  General  Scott's  armistice  with  Santa  Anna,  are  thus  detailed  by 
himself  in  a  letter  to  a  friend.  The  letter,  not  bei^g  intended  for 
publication,  contains  more  personal  history  than  it  otherwise  would. 

"  Since  I  left  Vera  Cruz,  to  this  hour,  I  have  had  no  means  of 
communicatingjvith  the  states.  Although  but  a  few  months  in  the 
service,  I  know  what  is  fatigue,  anxiety,  and  exposure.  Contrary 
to  my  expectations,  and  contrary  to  my  orders  from  the  department 
at  Washington,  I  was  compelled,  for  the  want  of  the  requisite  pro 
visions  for  transportation,  to  remain  for  more  than  three  weeks  at 
Vera  Cruz,  and  more  than  four  in  Terra  Caliente,  (the  vomito  re 
gion,  as  it  is  called.)  I  left  the  dreaded  city  on  the  10th  of  July, 
with  two  thousand  five  hundred  men  of  all  arms,  and  a  train  of  wa 
gons,  which,  when  closed  up,  extended  more  than  two  miles.  On 
the  6th  of  August  I  reached  Puebla,  without  the  loss  of  a  single 
wagon,  with  my  command  in  fine  condition.  My  command  was 
attacked  six  times  on  the  march,  but  the  enemy's  force  in  each  in 
stance  was  easily  dispersed,  with  trifling  loss  on  our  side.  The 
National  Bridge  afforded  the  enemy  great  natural  advantages,  to 
which  they  had  added  breastworks  on  a  high  bluff  which  command 
ed  the  bridge  perfectly.  Across  the  main  bridge  they  had  also  thrown 
a  barricade.  I  soon  discovered  that  there  was  no  way  in  which  his 
position  could  be  turned,  and  that  my  artillery  was  ineffective  from 
the  most  commanding  point  where  it  could  be  placed.  I  determined, 
of  course,  to  cross  under  the  plunging  fire  of  the  enemy's  escopetas. 
My  order  to  advance  was  admirably  executed.  At  the  moment 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Bonham's  battalion  rushed  forward  with  a  shout, 

(140) 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL    PIERCE.  141 

the  enemy  poured  down  a  heavy  fire,  by  which  several  of  my  men 
were  severely  wounded.  Colonel  Bonham's  horse  was  shot  near 
me,  and  a  ball  passed  through  the  rim  of  my  hat,  in  very  disagree 
able  proximity  to  my  face.  Our  men  leaped  the  barricade,  followed 
by  Captain  Duperu's  company  of  cavalry,  and  in  less  than  ten  mi 
nutes  the  enemy  were  in  flight  in  every  direction,  and  the  American 
flag  waved  upon  the  high  bluff  which  they  had  occupied.  The 
Mexican  force,  as  they  said  afterwards,  consisted  of  five  hundred 
men.  Had  they  possessed  courage  and  skill  in  the  use  of  arms,  our 
loss  must  have  been  very  great.  You  can  hardly  conceive  the 
strength  of  the  natural  defences  of  the  road  over  which  we  passed. 
Rumours  came  to  me  almost  every  night  that  we  would  be  attacked 
by  large  forces  the  next  day,  but  they  made  nowhere  any  thing  like 
a  brave  and  stern  resistance. 

"  The  official  reports  of  the  great  battle  of  Mexico  will  probably 
reach  you  as  soon  as  this  letter,  and  I  shall  therefore  not  attempt  to 
give  the  minute  details.  It  was  fierce  and  bloody  beyond  any  thing 
that  has  occurred  in  this  war.  The  battle  differed  in  many  respects 
from  that  at  Buena  Vista.  There  General  Taylor  received  the 
enemy  in  a  strong  position  selected  by  himself.  Our  force  on  the 
20th  consisted  of  less  than  nine  thousand  men ;  the  Mexican  force, 
within  supporting  distance  and  engaged,  undoubtedly  exceeded 
thirty  thousand.  We  attacked  him  in  position,  upon  ground  of  his 
own  selection,  admirably  fortified.  You  will  distinguish,  so  far  as 
numbers  are  concerned,  between  the  battle  of  the  morning  and  that 
of  the  afternoon,  although  spoken  of  in  the  official  reports  as  one 
engagement,  under  the  designation  of  *  the  battle  of  Mexico.'  We 
took,  during  the  day,  thirty-five  pieces  of  artillery,  an  immense 
quantity  of  ammunition,  eight  hundred  mules  and  horses,  and  more 
than  two  thousand  prisoners,  among  them  eight  generals  and  any 
number  of  colonels. 

"  The  Mexican  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  must  have  been  im 
mense.  Our  troops  buried  five  hundred  Mexicans  upon  the  field 
of  battle,  commenced  in  the  morning  at  Contreros,  and  the  loss  in 
the  afternoon  was  much  greater.  Our  loss  has  been  heavy.  With 
this  small  army  we  could  not  afford  to  purchase  many  such  victories 
at  such  a  price  ;  one  of  the  regiments  of  my  brigade  (the  13th)  lost 
in  killed  and  wounded  one-third  of  its  entire  force.  In  killed  and 
wounded  we  number  not  less  than  one  thousand,  and  among  them 


142  BRIGADIER-GENERAL    PIERCE. 

I  lament  to  say  an  unusual  proportion  of  valuable  officers.  The 
New  England  regiment  suffered  severely,  and  behaved  throughout 
in  the  most  gallant  manner.  My  horse,  at  full  speed  on  the  evening 
of  the  19th,  when  leading  my  brigade  through  a  perfect  shower  of 
round  shot  and  shells,  fell  under  me  upon  a  ledge  of  rocks,  by  which 
I  sustained  a  severe  injury  by  the  shock  and  bruises,  but  especially 
by  a  severe  sprain  in  my  left  knee,  which  came  under  him.  At 
first  I  was  not  conscious  of  any  serious  injury,  but  soon  became  ex 
ceedingly  faint,  when  Dr.  Ritchie,  surgeon  of  the  12th,  (a  portion 
of  my  command,)  who  was  following  the  advancing  columns  closely, 
overtook  me,  and  administered  to  me  as  well  as  he  could  under  the 
circumstances.  In  a  few  moments  I  was  able  to  walk  with  diffi 
culty,  and  pressed  forward  to  Captain  McGruder's  battery,  where  I 
found  the  horse  of  poor  gallant  Lieutenant  Johnson,  who  had  just 
received  a  mortal  wound,  of  which  he  died  that  evening.  I  was 
permitted  to  take  him,  (my  own  having  been  totally  disabled,)  was 
helped  into  the  saddle,  and  continued  in  it  until  eleven  o'clock  that 
night.  It  was  exceedingly  dark,  the  rain  poured  in  torrents,  and, 
being  separated  from  my  servants  and  baggage,  I  was  without  tent 
or  covering;  add  to  this  that,  during  the  afternoon  of  the  19th,  we 
had  gained  no  advantages  over  the  enemy,  who  remained  firmly 
entrenched  with  seven  thousand  men  opposed  to  about  four  thou 
sand  on  our  side,  without  the  possibility  of  bringing  our  artillery  to 
bear,  and  you  will  readily  conceive  that  our  situation  was  not  the 
most  agreeable.  The  morning  of  the  20th  was,  however,  as  bril 
liant  as  the  night  of  the  19th  was  dark  and  gloomy.  Soon  after 
daylight  the  enemy's  works  were  carried  with  the  bayonet,  and  of 
their  seven  thousand  men,  regular  troops,  under  the  command  of 
General  Valencia,  probably  four  thousand  cannot  be  found  to-day. 
As  we  passed  this  field  in  pursuit  of  the  fugitives,  the  scene  was 
awful ;  the  road  and  adjacent  fields  everywhere  strewed  with  man 
gled  bodies  of  the  dead  and  dying.  We  continued  the  pursuit  until 
one  o'clock,  when  our  front  came  up  with  the  enemy's  strong  works 
at  Churubusco  and  San  Antonio,  where  the  great  conflict  of  the 
afternoon  commenced.  At  San  Angel,  dispositions  having  been 
made  to  attack  in  reverse  the  enemy's  works  on  the  San  Augustin 
road,  General  Scott  ordered  me  to  march  my  brigade,  in  concert 
with  that  of  the  intrepid  General  Shields,  across  the  open  country 
between  Santa  Catarina  and  the  above-named  road,  in  order  to  cut 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL    PIERCE.  143 

off  the  enemy's  retreat.  We  gained  the  position  sought,  and, 
although  the  enemy's  line  was  perfectly  formed,  and  extended  as 
far  as  the  eye  could  reach  in  either  direction,  they  were  attacked 
vigorously  and  successfully.  Arriving  at  a  ditch  which  it  was  im 
possible  for  my  horse  to  leap,  I  dismounted  and  hurried  forward, 
without  thinking  of  my  injury,  at  the  head  of  my  brigade,  for  two 
or  three  hundred  yards,  when,  turning  suddenly  upon  my  knee,  the 
cartilage  of  which  had  been  seriously  injured,  I  fainted  and  fell 
upon  the  bank,  in  the  direct  range  and  within  perfect  reach  of  the 
enemy's  fire.  That  I  escaped  seems  to  me  now  providential. 
The  rout  and  overthrow  of  the  whole  Mexican  force  soon  became 
complete,  and  we  could  easily  have  taken  the  city ;  but  General 
Scott  was  met  with  a  proposition  for  an  armistice,  (after  demanding 
the  surrender  of  the  city,)  with  a  view  to  open  negotiations  for 
peace. 

"In  my  judgment,  the  army,  full  of  ardour  and  confidence,  was 
humanely  and  wisely  restrained.  Major-General  duitman,  General 
Persifor  F.  Smith,  and  myself,  were  appointed  commissioners  to 
meet  the  Mexican  commissioners  to  settle  the  terms  of  the  armistice. 
I  had  not  taken  off  my  spurs  or  slept  an  hour  for  two  nights  in  con 
sequence  of  my  engagements  and  the  pain  of  my  knee.  I  obeyed 
the  summons,  was  helped  into  my  saddle,  and  rode  two  and  a  half 
miles  to  Tacubaya,  where  the  commission  assembled  at  the  house 
of  Mr.  Mclntosh,  the  British  consul-general.  Our  conference  com 
menced  late  in  the  afternoon,  and  at  four  o'clock  the  next  morning 
the  articles  were  signed. 

"  That  I  was  thoroughly  exhausted  you  will  readily  imagine.  I 
slept  an  hour  or  two  that  morning  at  General  Worth's  quarters,  and 
my  sprained  knee,  which  was  by  far  my  most  serious  injury,  has 
been  daily  improving,  and  to-day  I  ride  without  much  inconveni 
ence.  I  have  lost  several  dear  friends,  although  our  acquaintance 
had  been  of  short  duration.  I  visited  the  hospital  yesterday,  and 
saw  officers  and  men  with  shots  in  all  parts  of  their  persons.  Al 
though  all  who  were  not  really  dying  seemed  cheerful,  and  many 
who  had  lost  limbs  in  high  spirits,  still  I  sickened  at  the  sight.  My 
general  health  has  been  good.  I  have  been  either  in  my  saddle  or 
on  my  feet  every  rod  since  1  left  Vera  Cruz,  which  can  be  said  by 
few  officers  in  my  command ;  for  almost  all  were  obliged,  at  some 


144  BRIGADIER-GENERAL    PIERCE. 

point  of  the  inarch,  in  consequence  of  the  change  of  climate,  water, 
exposure,  &c.,  to  avail  themselves  of  the  ambulance.  Colonel 
Watson,  with  his  marine  corps,  accompanied  me,  and  has  been  uni 
formly  well.  He  is  an  excellent  agreeable  gentleman  and  admira 
ble  officer,  and  I  regret  that,  having  been  left  with  General  Quit- 
man's  division  at  San  Augustin,  he  had  no  opportunity  to  participate 
in  the  battles  of  the  19th  and  20th." 

General  Pierce  was  prevented  by  his  wound  from  participating  in 
the  events  of  September,  and  he  is  still  an  invalid  at  the  Mexican 
capital. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ROBERT  PATTERSON. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  PATTERSON. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ROBERT  PATTERSON  was  born  January  12th, 
1792,  near  Strabane,  County  Tyrone,  Ireland.  His  father,  one  of 
the  actors  in  the  rebellion  of  1798,  emigrated  to  this  country  on  the 
failure  of  that  ill-starred  enterprise,  and  settled  in  Delaware  county, 
Pennsylvania.  At  the  age  of  fourteen,  Robert  entered  the  counting- 
house  of  Edward  Thompson,  Esq.,  who  was  then  the  principal 
American  merchant  engaged  in  the  East  India  trade.  In  October, 
1811,  he  removed  with  his  father's  family  to  Tennessee;  but  after 
the  declaration  of  war  with  Great  Britain,  he  returned  to  Pennsyl 
vania,  obtained  a  lieutenancy  in  the  army,  and  after  serving  for  a 
time  on  the  staff  of  Brigadier-General  Bloomfield,  was  commis 
sioned  captain  (April  19th,  1814)  in  the  32d  infantry.  When  his 
company  was  disbanded  in  consequence  of  the  termination  of  the 
war,  he  embarked  in  mercantile  pursuits,  devoting  his  leisure  hours 
to  the  study  of  tactics,  and  to  the  discipline  and  improvement  of  the 
volunteers  of  Philadelphia,  with  whom  he  retained  his  connection 
till  after  his  appointment  as  major-general  in  the  United  States'  army, 
July  7th,  1846. 

The  command  of  the  troops  called  out  to  repress  the  disturbances 
at  Harrisburg  in  the  winter  of  1838-9,  devolved  on  him  as  senior 
major-general ;  he  was  again  employed  to  quell  the  riots  in  Phila 
delphia. 

During  the  action  at  Madeline  river,  General  Patterson  brought 
up  a  reinforcement  of  Tennessee  volunteers,  but  declined  super 
seding  Colonel  Harney,  preferring  to  fight  under  that  gallant  officer, 
rather  than  by  assuming  the  command  to  deprive  him  of  the  credit 
of  one  of  the  most  brilliant  affairs  of  the  war.  Posting  his  Tennes< 
13  U  *  (145) 


146  MAJOR-GENERAL    PATTERSON. 

seeans,  he  ordered  them  to  lie  down,  as  they  were  then  exposed  to 
a  heavy  fire  from  the  enemy  without  the  opportunity  of  returning 
it  effectively.  The  order  was  obeyed  very  reluctantly,  and  some  of 
the  men,  thinking  that  the  prudence  which  protected  them  should 
be  extended  to  himself,  called  out: — "Lie  down  yourself,  general, 
or  they  will  knock  you  over  presently."  "  No,"  said  he,  "  my  duty 
calls  me  where  I  am,  and  yours  is  to  remain  where  you  are,  until 
required  to  expose  yourself.  The  President  can  make  generals, 
but  he  cannot  make  soldiers." 

General  Scott,  in  his  general  orders  subsequent  to  the  battle  of 
Sierra  Gordo,  says : — 

"  Major-General  Patterson,  rendered  for  the  moment  supernume 
rary,  with  this  army,  will  accompany  the  returning  volunteers  of  his 
late  gallant  division,  and  render  them  such  assistance  on  the  way 
as  he  well  knows  how  to  give.  *  *  *  *  This  distinguished 
general  officer  will  please  accept  the  thanks  of  the  general-in-chief, 
for  the  gallant,  able,  and  efficient  support  uniformly  received  from 
the  second  in  rank  in  this  army." 

Speaking  of  this  order,  a  correspondent  says : — 

"  He  leaves  us  with  the  regrets  of  all.  We  saw  him  at  Vera 
Cruz,  and  witnessed,  during  the  whole  of  that  harassing  siege  and 
severe  cannonade,  his  thorough  devotion  to  his  duties.  He  was  so 
lame  as  to  be  compelled  to  wear  crutches,  and  could  not  get  up 
the  hills  into  our  positions  without  aid.  I  have  seen  him  in  ex 
posed  positions  again  and  again,  leaning  on  his  crutches,  and  ex 
amining  the  enemy's  movements,  when  the  shells  and  round  shot 
were  flying  around  him  and  passing  over  him  in  every  direction. 
At  Sierra  Gordo,  when  so  ill  that  it  was  almost  madness  to  think  of 
leaving  his  bed,  he  astonished  his  command  by  riding  in  among 
them  immediately  previous  to  the  attack,  and  was  received  by  a 
simultaneous  shout,  from  three  or  four  thousand  voices,  which  must 
have  made  the  enemy  shake.  At  that  time  he  was  so  weak  that 
he  could  scarcely  manage  the  animal  he  rode." 

General  Patterson  was  second  in  command  on  the  Rio  Grande, 
immediately  after  the  capture  of  Matamoras,  and  was  entrusted  with 
the  control  of  all  the  forces  on  the  river  during  General  Taylor's 
march  toward  Monterey.  He  assisted  at  Vera  Cruz,  but  was  pre 
vented  from  taking  an  active  part  at  Sierra  Gordo,  in  consequence 
of  severe  sickness.  During  Scott's  march  to  the  capital,  he  has 


MAJOR-GENERAL    PATTERSON.  147 

been  stationed  at  Vera  Cruz,  to  keep  in  check  the  numerous  guer 
illa  parties  of  that  region.  In  connection  with  his  services  in  this 
respect  a  correspondent  writes  : — 

"  In  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day,  Father  Ahrouta  (or  Jarauta), 
who  commands  a  guerilla  party,  and  has  become  notorious  by  his 
misdeeds  on  the  road  from  Jalapa  to  Vera  Cruz,  sent  in  a  flag  of 
truce  by  two  of  his  officers,  proposing  to  surrender  as  a  prisoner  of 
war  or  join  the  American  army,  if  General  Patterson  would  guaranty 
the  safety  of  himself  and  followers,  and  their  property.  To  this 
General  Patterson  replied  that  he  wanted  to  have  no  intercourse 
with  the  guerilla  priest,  but  would  advise  him  to  return  to  his 
prayers,  and  send  his  band  back  to  their  honest  employments,  if 
they  had  any,  as  no  one  would  molest  them  then,  while,  if  they 
continued  to  infest  the  road,  and  he  should  catch  any  of  them,  he 
would  certainly  hang  them. 

"The  name  of  Pennsylvania  operated  on  the  general  here  like  a 
charm,  and  in  a  manner  quite  gratifying  to  us.  Among  the  first 
of  his  acts  on  arriving  at  the  bridge,  where  the  13th  regiment  and 
the  Baltimore  artillery  battalion  were  stationed,  was  to  inquire  what 
amount  of  provision  the  garrison  had  on  hand.  He  was  informed, 
among  other  things,  that  Captain  Diller  had  drawn  twenty-five  hun 
dred  rations  for  Colonel  Wynkoop's  regiment.  'What  is  that 
for?'  said  the  general,  sternly  —  'send  him  to  me.'  Captain  Dil 
ler  in  a  few  minutes  was  before  the  general,  who  asked  him  why 
he  had  drawn  for  so  many  rations.  The  latter  replied,  that  he  had 
brought  but  five  days'  rations  with  him,  as  he  expected  to  meet 
General  Patterson's  train  and  obtain  more.  '  It  cannot  be  done, 
sir,'  said  General  Patterson,  '  you  must  return  them/  '  But,  gene 
ral,'  said  Captain  Diller,  '  they  are  in  the  wagons,  and  I  have  given 
my  receipt  for  them.'  '  I  can't  help  thatj'  was  the  stern  reply, '  you 
ought  to  have  brought  more  with  you.'  '  But,  general,'  again  said 
Captain  Diller,  imploringly, '  remember  the  Pennsylvania  boys  have 
seen  hard  service  and  fought  nobly,  it  will  not  do  to  let  them  starve.' 
'  Ah,  yes,'  rejoined  the  general,  while  his  face  relaxed  into  a  bene 
volent  smile,  and  his  eye  sparkled  with  proud  recollections,  '  they 
were  with  me  at  Vera  Cruz  and  Sierra  Gordo  —  say  no  more,  but 
keep  the  rations  and  start  back  to  the  Plan  with  them  the  first  thing 
in  the  morning — the  Pennsylvania  boys  shall  not  starve  !' 

"  On  his  arrival  the  next  day  at  the  Plan  del  Rio,  General  Patter- 


148  MAJOR-GENERAL    PATTERSON. 

son  was  received  by  the  regiment  with  the  utmost  enthusiasm,  and 
the  joy  of  the  men  at  seeing  him  seemed  to  know  no  bounds.  He 
was  much  gratified  by  this  demonstration,  and  appeared  as  happy 
to  see  us  as  if  we  had  each  and  all  been  of  his  own  family  and  blood. 
We  left  him  at  the  Plan  that  day  (the  5th),  and  started  for  this 
place,  where,  as  I  have  already  said,  we  arrived  yesterday,  the  6th. 
He  reached  here  this  afternoon,  but  the  rear-guard  of  his  immense 
train  will  not  be  in  until  long  after  midnight."* 

*  General  Patterson's  command  on  the  Rio  Grande  amounted  to  nearly 
eleven  thousand  men,  many  of  whom  having  been  but  recently  mustered 
into  service,  were  destitute  both  of  discipline  and  subordination.  To  this 
difficulty  was  added  the  great  number  of  sick,  occasioned  by  the  unhealthi- 
ness  of  the  climate,  and  the  troops'  own  carelessness.  By  judicious  man 
agement,  and  an  occasional  resort  to  energetic  measures,  the  general  suc 
ceeded  in  rendering  his  command  fit  for  active  service. 

In  December,  1846,  orders  were  issued  to  the  army  to  prepare  for  a  de 
scent  upon  Tampico.  One  part  of  General  Patterson's  force  was  sent  to 
General  Taylor,  another  down  the  Rio  Grande,  and  the  remainder  under 
his  own  direction,  crossed  the  country  from  Matamoras,  by  way  of  Victoria, 
a  distance  of  about  two  hundred  miles.  Notwithstanding  many  obstacles 
to  this  march,  the  head  of  the  column  entered  Victoria  simultaneously 
with  that  of  General  Taylor  from  Monterey.  From  this  place  General 
Patterson  was  ordered  to  Tampico,  where  he  met  General  Scott,  and  pro 
ceeded  with  him  to  Vera  Cruz. 

In  October,  1847,  the  general  commenced  his  march  for  the  capital  of 
Mexico,  where  he  arrived  about  the  latter  end  of  November. 


COLONEL  HARNEY. 


FOR  intrepidity,  perseverance,  and  impetuosity  in  battle,  no  man 
in  the  American  army  is  superior  to  Colonel  Harney.  His  dragoon- 
fight  at  Vera  Cruz,  his  charge  at  Sierra  Gordo,  and  his  recent  heroic 
actions  before  the  capital,  have  rarely  been  surpassed,  and  have 
won  for  him  a  reputation  as  brilliant  as  it  is  just. 

The  colonel's  personal  appearance  is  thus  described  by  one  who 
visited  him  during  his  present  journey  through  the  United  States : 

"  Our  attention  was  next  arrested  by  seeing  a  man  of  towering 
height  and  gigantic  frame,  with  a  chest  like  that  of  Hercules  and 
an  eye  like  that  of  Mars.  He  was,  indeed,  to  use  the  language  of 
Hamlet,  made  *  to  threaten  and  command.'  With  a  smile  upon  his 
lips  and  a  sparkle  of  pleasure  in  his  light  blue  eyes,  he  stood  the 
*  observed  of  all  observers.'  He  was  the  gallant  Colonel  Harney — 
one  of  the  most  accomplished  and  heroic  soldiers  in  the  army  —  to 
whom  has  been  so  generally  assigned  the  chief  glory  of  the  great 
victory  of  Sierra  Gordo." 

Colonel  William  S.  Harney  was  born  in  Louisiana,  and  received 
his  first  appointment  as  2d  lieutenant  1st  infantry  February  13th, 
1818.  He  was  brevetted  colonel  December  7th,  1840,  and  raised 
to  full  colonel  June  30th,  1846.  He  served  with  great  credit  in  the 
Seminole  wars,  and  when  the  present  war  with  Mexico  opened, 
joined  Wool's  Division  of  the  Centre,  and  was  included  among  the 
troops  despatched  for  the  Gulf  coast.  His  famous  dragoon-right, 
during  the  bombardment  of  Vera  Cruz,  is  thus  described  by  a  cor 
respondent  : 

"Information  was  received  in  camp  this  morning  that  a  body  ot 
Mexicans  were  hanging  on  our  rear,  intending  to  force  the  lines  if 
possible,  and  make  their  way  into  the  city  with  a  number  of  cattle, 
13*  (149) 


150  COLONEL   HARNEY. 

Colonel  Harney,  with  one  hundred  and  twenty  dragoons,  was  or 
dered  out  to  search  them,  and  report  his  observations.  He  dis 
covered  them,  about  two  thousand  in  number,  intrenched  at  a  bridge, 
and  supported  by  two  pieces  of  artillery,  three  miles  from  General 
Patterson's  head-quarters.  Colonel  Harney  started  on  his  return, 
intending  to  prepare  properly  and  attack  them  the  next  morning. 
But  the  gallant  old  soldier,  knowing  that  delays  are  dangerous, 
could  not  bear  the  idea  of  leaving  the  enemy  after  having  come  in 
sight  of  them,  without  having  a  brush.  Accordingly,  he  returned 
to  the  place,  took  a  position  where  he  could  watch  their  movements, 
and  keep  his  men  secure  from  the  enemy's  fire.  The  Mexicans 
commenced  firing  at  him,  and  threw  a  perfect  shower  of  balls  all 
around  him,  but  without  injury.  Colonel  Harney  then  despatched 
a  messenger  to  camp  for  a  small  reinforcement,  and  some  artillery  to 
break  the  breastworks.  He  was  reinforced  from  General  Patter 
son's  division,  by  Lieutenant  Judd,  with  two  pieces  of  artillery, 
about  sixty  dragoons,  dismounted,  and  six  companies  of  the  1st  and 
2d  Tennessee  volunteers,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Haskell, 
accompanied  by  General  Patterson  in  person,  although  he  did  not 
take  the  command  from  Colonel  Harney,  but  merely  participated 
as  any  other  individual  who  was  engaged. 

"Colonel  Harney  then  formed  the  Tennesseeans  on  the  right,  his 
dragoons  on  the  left,  and  advanced  slowly,  to  draw  the  fire  of  the 
Mexicans,  until  Lieutenant  Judd  got  his  artillery  in  such  a  position 
as  he  desired.  The  movement  succeeded  admirably :  Lieutenant 
Judd  got  his  ground  within  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  the  Mexi 
cans,  and  commenced  firing  —  they  attempted  to  return  it,  but  as 
soon  as  a  slight  breach  was  made  in  the  parapet,  Colonel  Harney 
ordered  a  charge,  which  was  answered  by  a  yell  from  the  dragoons 
and  Tennesseeans.  Colonel  Haskell,  Captain  Cheatham,  and  Cap 
tain  Foster  were  the  first  men  to  leap  over  the  breastwork,  and,  as 
a  naval  officer  remarked,  who  witnessed  the  whole  affair,  the  balance 
went  over  so  much  « like  a  thousand  of  brick,'  that  there  was  no 
telling  who  was  first  or  last.  As  might  have  been  expected,  the 
Mexicans  were  unable  to  stand  a  charge  from  '  Ae  boys  who  stood 
the  fire  of  the  Black  Fort  at  Monterey.'  A  few  of  the  incumbrances 
were  soon  thrown  out  of  the  way,  and  Colonel  Harney,  with  his 
dragoons,  leaped  the  breastwork  and  gave  chase. 

"  He  had  not  proceeded  more  than  a  mile  before  he  found  the 


COLONEL    HARNEY.  151 

enemy  formed  in  line  to  receive  him.  Fie  immediately  deployed, 
and  from  the  head  of  the  line  ordered  a  charge.  When  he  ap 
proached  within  about  twenty  yards  of  the  enemy's  line,  they  gave 
him  a  fire  from  their  side-arms,  but  overshot.  Then  came  the  test 
of  strength  and  skill  —  the  dragoon,  with  sword  in  hand,  met  the 
confiding  lancer,  with  pointed  lance,  ready  to  receive  him.  The 
contest  was  but  for  a  short  time.  In  many  instances,  lances  were 
twisted  from  their  clenched  hold ;  the  Mexicans  were  unsaddled, 
and  driven  helter-skelter  in  every  direction,  and  pursued  by  the  dra 
goons  in  detachments. 

"  Colonel  Harney  and  several  of  his  officers  met  their  men  in 
single  combat,  but  none  of  them  received  any  injury  except  Lieu 
tenant  Neill,  adjutant  of  the  regiment,  who  was  wounded  severely 
in  two  places,  from  his  magnanimity  in  attempting  to  capture  a 
Mexican  instead  of  killing  him.  In  full  run  he  overtook  the  re 
treating  Mexican,  and  placing  his  sword  in  front  of  him,  commanded 
him  to  surrender ;  whereupon  the  Mexican  drove  his  lance  into  his 
magnanimous  adversary.  As  the  lieutenant  wheeled  his  horse  to 
despatch  him,  another  Mexican  charged  up  and  struck  him  with  a 
lance.  However,  severely  wounded  as  he  was,  in  two  places,  he 
conquered  one  of  his  foes,  and  a  corporal  came  up  in  time  to  '  settle 
accounts'  with  the  other. 

"The  Mexican  force  was  near  two  thousand ;  Colonel  Harney's 
about  five  hundred." 

In  the  march  from  Vera  Cruz  to  Sierra  Gordo,  Colonel  Harney 
performed  excellent  service  as  a  scout,  and  advance  guard  ;  and  his 
brilliant  storming  of  the  main  work  at  Sierra  Gordo  elicited  the 
warmest  commendation  from  the  commander-in-chief,  even  on  the 
battle-field.  The  annexed  description  of  this  affair  is  from  the  pen 
of  an  eye-witness : — 

"  The  storming  and  capture  of  the  strong  works  on  Sierra  Gordo, 
by  the  brigade  under  Colonel  Harney,  may  be  looked  upon  as  one 
of  the  most  brilliant  achievements  of  the  Mexican  war — the  fate  of 
the  battle  turned  upon  it,  and  here  the  enemy  had  placed  an  over 
whelming  force  of  his  best  troops.  The  hill  was  steep,  and  naturally 
difficult  of  ascent ;  but  independent  of  this,  the  ground  was  covered 
with  loose,  craggy  rocks,  an  undergrowth  of  tangled  chapparai,  be 
sides  many  small  trees,  the  tops  of  which  were  cut  off  some  four  or 
five  fe€t  from  the  ground,  and  turned  down  the  hill,  to  impede  the 


152  COLONEL  HARNEY. 

progress  of  the  stormers.  To  climb  the  height  at  all,  even  without 
arms  of  any  kind,  would  be  an  undertaking  that  few  would  care 
about  essaying ;  what  then  must  it  have  been  to  men  encumbered 
with  muskets  and  cartridge-boxes,  and  obliged  to  dispute  every  step 
of  the  precipitous  and  rugged  ascent  ?  Murderous  showers  of  grape 
and  canister  greeted  our  men  at  the  onset,  and  as  they  toiled  unfal 
tering  through  a  tempest  of  iron  hail,  a  heavy  fire  of  musketry 
opened  upon  them.  Not  a  man  quailed — with  loud  shouts  they  still 
pressed  upward  and  onward.  At  every  step  our  ranks  were  thinned ; 
but  forward  went  the  survivors.  When  within  good  musket  range, 
but  not  until  then,  was  the  fire  of  the  enemy  returned,  and  then 
commenced  the  dreadful  carnage  of  strife.  The  Mexicans  held  to 
their  guns  with  more  than  their  usual  bravery,  but  nothing  could 
resist  the  fierce  onset  of  the  stormers.  Over  the  breastworks,  with 
which  the  Mexicans  had  surrounded  the  crest  of  the  hill,  they 
charged,  and  shouting,  attacked  the  enemy  in  their  very  stronghold. 
The  latter  now  fled,  panic-stricken,  but  still  they  were  pursued  ;  and 
it  was  not  until  the  affrighted  fugitives  had  reached  a  point  without 
the  extreme  range  of  their  own  cannon,  which  had  been  turned 
upon  them  at  the  onset,  that  they  ceased  in  their  flight.  The  na 
tional  colours  of  our  country  now  supplanted  the  banner  of  the 
enemy ;  the  different  regimental  flags  were  also  planted  on  the  crest ; 
and  shouts  louder  than  ever  from  the  victors  rose  upon  the  air,  strik 
ing  terror  into  the  very  hearts  of  the  enemy  in  the  works  still  un- 
taken,  for  they  knew  that  their  strong  positions  had  been  turned,  and 
that  they  were  at  the  mercy  of  the  men  they  had  scoffed  at  in  the 
morning.  Never  was  victory  more  complete,  although  purchased 
with  the  blood  of  some  of  our  best  men.  Lieutenant  Ewell,  of  the 
rifles,  was  among  the  first  within  the  enemy's  breastworks,  and  it 
was  here  that  he  received  his  death  wound.  The  interior  of  the 
work  was  covered  with  the  dead  of  the  enemy,  among  them  General 
Vasquez,  Colonel  Palacio,  and  many  of  their  officers,  while  the 
hill-side  down  which  they  fled  was  strewn  as  well.  Near  two  hun 
dred  men  were  left  dead,  while  the  wounded  would  swell  the  number 
to  at  least  five  hundred — some  even  put  it  down  as  high  as  seven 
hundred." 

In  all  the  subsequent  operations  of  the  war  Colonel  Harney  has 
been  most  usefully  employed.  We  give  extracts  from  his  report 
of  his  duties  in  August: — 

"The  cavalry  force  being  necessarily  weakened  by  Detachments 


COLONEL    HARNEY.  153 

to  the  different  divisions  of  the  army,  I  found  myself  on  the  morning 
of  the  19th  instant  in  the  immediate  command  of  nine  companies 
only,  consisting  of  six  companies  of  the  2d  dragoons,  one  company 
of  mounted  riflemen,  and  two  companies  of  mounted  volunteers. 
With  this  force  I  was  ordered  by  the  general-in-chief  to  report  to 
Brigadier-General  Twiggs,  who  was  at  this  time  covering  Major- 
General  Pillow's  division  in  an  effort  to  make  a  road  through  the 
ridge  of  lava  which  forms  the  pass  of  San  Antonio.  Owing  to  the 
nature  of  the  ground  I  was  compelled  to  halt  within  range  of  the 
enemy's  shells,  and  to  remain  in  this  position  for  several  hours— an 
idle  spectator  of  the  action  which  ensued.  After  night  I  returned 
with  my  command  to  San  Augustin,  and  remained  there  until  the 
enemy's  position  at  Contreros  was  carried  on  the  morning  of  the 
20th. 

"  As  soon  as  the  road  was  ascertained  to  be  opened  and  practica 
ble  for  cavalry,  I  was  directed  by  the  general-in-chief  to  proceed 
with  two  squadrons  and  Captain  McKinstry's  company  of  volun 
teers  to  the  field  of  battle,  and  to  take  charge  of  the  prisoners  that 
had  been  captured.  While  in  the  execution  of  this  order,  I  received 
instructions  from  the  general-in-chief  to  leave  one  squadron  in  charge 
of  the  prisoners,  and  to  report  to  him  in  person  with  the  other  three 
companies.  Captain  Blake,  with  his  squadron,  was  directed  to  per 
form  this  duty ;  while  Major  Sumner  and  myself,  with  Captain 
Ker's  squadron,  and  Captain  McKinstry's  company  of  volunteers, 
joined  the  commanding  general  near  the  field  of  Churubusco,  just 
after  the  engagement  at  that  place  had  commenced.  *  *  *  * 

"The  three  troops  of  horse  brought  by  me  on  the  field,  being  or 
dered  away  in  different  directions,  Major  Sumner  and  myself  soon 
found  ourselves  without  commands.  I  then  employed  myself  with 
my  staff  in  rallying  fugitives  and  encouraging  our  troops  on  the  left 
of  the  main  road.  Major  Sumner,  towards  the  close  of  the  engage 
ment,  was  placed  by  the  general-in-chief  in  charge  of  the  last  reserve, 
consisting  of  the  rifle  regiment  and  one  company  of  horse,  and  or 
dered  to  support  the  left.  This  force  was  moving  rapidly  to  take  its 
position  in  line  of  battle,  when  the  enemy  broke  and  fled  to  the  city. 
At  this  moment,  perceiving  that  the  enemy  were  retreating  in  disor 
der  on  one  of  the  main  causeways  leading  to  the  city  of  Mexico,  I 
collected  all  the  cavalry  within  my  reach,  consisting  of  parts  of  Cap 
tain  Ker's  company  2d  dragoons,  Captain  Kearney's  company  1st 


154  COLONEL   HARNEY. 

dragoons,  and  Captains  McReynolds'  and  Duperu's  companies  of 
the  3d  dragoons,  and  pursued  them  vigorously  until  we  were  halted 
by  the  discharge  of  the  batteries  at  their  gate.  Many  of  the  enemy 
were  overtaken  in  the  pursuit,  and  cut  down  by  our  sabres.  I  can 
not  speak  in  terms  too  complimentary  of  the  manner  in  which  this 
charge  was  executed.  My  only  difficulty  was  in  restraining  the 
impetuosity  of  my  men  and  officers,  who  seemed  to  vie  with 
each  other  to  be  foremost  in  the  pursuit.  Captain  Kearney  gal 
lantly  led  his  squadron  into  the  very  entrenchments  of  the  enemy, 
and  had  the  misfortune  to  lose  an  arm  from  a  grape-shot  fired  from 
a  gun  at  one  of  the  main  gates  of  the  capital.  Captain  McReynolds 
and  Lieutenant  Graham  were  also  wounded,  and  Lieutenant  Ewell 
had  two  horses  shot  under  him.  ***** 

"  In  conclusion,  I  beg  leave  to  state  that  the  dragoons,  from  the 
commencement  of  the  march  from  Puebla,  have  been  engaged  on 
the  most  active  and  laborious  service.  These  duties  have  been  the 
more  arduous  in  consequence  of  the  small  force  of  cavalry,  compared 
with  the  other  arms  of  service.  Small  parties  being  constantly  en 
gaged  in  reconnoitring  and  on  picket  guards,  the  utmost  vigilance 
and  precaution  have  been  required  to  prevent  surprise  and  disaster. 
The  gallant  Captain  Thornton,  while  reconnoitring  the  enemy  near 
San  Antonio  on  the  18th  instant,  was  shot  through  the  body  by  a 
cannon  shot,  and  instantly  killed.  His  death  is  much  to  be  regretted. 
On  the  20th,  although  I  had  but  four  companies  of  my  brigade  with 
me  on  the  field,  the  remainder  were  actively  employed  in  the  per 
formance  of  important  and  indispensable  duties.  Captain  Hardee, 
while  watching  the  enemy  with  his  company  near  San  Augustin, 
was  attacked  by  a  band  of  guerillas  ;  but  the  enemy  was  promptly 
and  handsomely  repulsed,  and  a  number  of  their  horses,  with  arms 
and  accoutrements,  captured." 

After  the  capture  of  the  Mexican  capital,  Colonel  Harney  return 
ed  to  the  United  States,  where  he  still  remains  [January,  1848.] 


COLONEL  CHILDS. 


ihnr'f-  :hi~-i'>  biL-jsucrll  &no  d)iw  fe^ilfi  eicjif]5 

COLONEL  CHILDS. 


COLONEL  THOMAS  CHILDS  is  a  native  of  Massachusetts.  He  en 
tered  the  army  as  3d  lieutenant,  March  llth,  1814;  was  brevetted 
colonel,  May  9th,  1846 ;  raised  to  the  full  rank  of  major,  February 
16th,  1847 ;  and  soon  after  raised  to  his  present  rank.  He  greatly 
distinguished  himself  at  Palo  Alto,  and  on  the  following  day  ;  and 
at  Monterey  he  led  one  of  the  storming  parties  in  General  Worth's 
division.  The  general  mentions  him  in  his  official  report  with  high 
approbation  ;  and  he  was  at  the  same  time  recommended  by  General 
Taylor  to  the  favourable  consideration  of  the  department.  He  fought 
side  by  side  at  Sierra  Gordo  with  the  intrepid  Harney,  and  like  him 
received  the  highest  commendations  of  the  commander-in-chief. 
After  the  capture  of  Jalapa,  he  was  appointed  military  commander 
of  that  place ;  and,  in  about  a  month  after,  military  governor  of 
Puebla.  During  the  absence  of  the  main  army  from  that  place,  he 
was  attacked,  [September  13th,  1847,]  by  a  large  Mexican  force, 
and  a  siege  commenced,  which  lasted  nearly  a  month,  conducted 
part  of  the  time  by  Santa  Anna  himself.  The  colonel  gives  a  mi 
nute  account  of  these  transactions  in  his  official  report,  [dated  Octo 
ber  13th,]  portions  of  which  are  subjoined : — 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  report  that,  after  twenty-eight  days  close 
investment,  the  enemy  yesterday  [October  12th]  raised  the  siege 
and  left  for  Atlixco. 

"  I  will  avail  myself  of  this  opportunity  to  submit  to  the  general- 
in-chief  a  brief  account  of  the  operations  of  the  troops  at  this  point, 
from  the  period  of  my  assuming  command  to  the  termination  of  the 
siege  and  the  arrival  of  Brigadier-General  Lane  with  reinforce 
ments. 

"  On  entering  upon  my  duties  as  civil  and  military  governor  I  found 
myself  in  command  of  Captain  Ford's  company  of  cavalry,  forty- 

(155) 


156  COLONEL    CHILDS. 

six  strong ;  Captains  Kendrick's  and  Miller's  companies  of  artillery, 
numbering  one  hundred ;  together  with  six  companies  of  the  1st 
Pennsylvania  volunteers,  commanded  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Black 
— his  total  effective  strength  being  two  hundred  and  forty-seven — 
and  hospitals  filled  with  one  thousand  eight  hundred  sick. 

"  With  this  command,  San  Jose,  the  grand  depot  in  this  city, 
Loreto,  and  Guadalupe  were  to  be  garrisoned,  and  held  against  the 
combined  efforts  of  the  military  and  populace. 

"  The  isolated  position  selected  for  the  hospitals  compelled  me  to 
remove  them  within  the  protection  of  San  Jose  on  the  first  demon 
stration  of  hostility.  This  was  not  long  in  exhibiting  itself,  when  I 
put  myself,  with  such  means  as  I  had  at  my  disposal,  in  the  best 
possible  state  for  defence,  confining  my  efforts  to  the  square  imme 
diately  around  San  Jose ;  and  from  these  points  the  enemy,  during 
the  entire  siege,  were  not  able  to  force  in  (but  for  a  single  moment) 
a  sentinel. 

"  No  open  acts  of  hostility,  other  than  the  murdering  of  straggling 
soldiers,  occurred  until  the  night  of  the  13th  of  September,  when  a 
fire  was  opened  from  some  of  the  streets.  On  the  night  of  the  14th 
it  recommenced,  and  from  every  street,  with  a  violence  that  knew 
of  no  cessation,  for  twenty-eight  days  and  nights. 

"The  enemy,  with  their  numerous  cavalry,  succeeded  in  cutting 
off  at  once  every  kind  of  supply,  and  vainly  attempted  to  change 
the  current  of  the  stream  of  water,  that  we  might  become  a  more 
easy  prey.  The  night,  however,  before  the  cattle  and  sheep  disap 
peared  from  this  vicinity,  two  well-directed  parties  obtained  thirty 
of  the  former  and  four  hundred  of  the  latter. 

"  The  various  points  to  be  defended  for  the  preservation  of  San 
Jose,  on  which  the  safety  of  the  other  posts  depended,  demanded 
the  untiring  vigilance  of  every  officer  and  man. 

"  The  enemy  augmented  in  numbers  daily,  and  daily  the  firing 
was  increased  ;  and  finally,  on  the  22d  of  September,  General  Santa 
Anna  arrived  with  large  reinforcements  from  Mexico,  much  to  the 
delight  of  the  besiegers,  on  which  occasion  a  general  ringing  of 
bells  took  place,  and  was  only  stopped,  as  it  had  been  several  times 
before,  by  a  discharge  of  shells  and  round-shot  from  Loreto  into  the 
heart  of  the  city. 

"  On  the  25th  of  September,  General  Santa  Anna  demanded  my 
surrender. 


COLONEL    CH1LDS.  157 

"  So  soon  as  I  had  despatched  my  answer,  I  supposed  not  a  mo 
ment  would  be  lost  by  the  general,  who  was  to  attack  me  at  all 
points  with  his  eight  thousand  troops.  I  rode  to  the  different  posts, 
and  announced  to  the  troops  the  demand,  the  force  with  which  it 
was  backed,  and  my  reply.  Their  response  convinced  me  that  all 
was  safe ;  that  a  hard  and  bloody  battle  must  be  fought  ere  the  great 
captain  of  Mexico  could  overcome  my  little  band. 

"  The  point  of  attack  was  San  Jose,  commanded  by  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Black,  with  Captain  Ford's  company  of  cavalry,  Cap 
tain  Miller's  company  of  4th  artillery,  and  four  companies  of  his 
own  regiment,  and  one  hospital,  the  guard  of  which  was  in  com 
mand  of  Captain  Rowe,  of  the  9th  regiment  of  infantry. 

"A  shower  of  bullets  was  constantly  poured  from  the  streets,  the 
balconies,  the  house-tops,  and  churches,  upon  their  devoted  heads. 
Never  did  troops  endure  more  fatigue  by  watching  night  after  night, 
for  more  than  thirty  successive  nights,  nor  exhibit  more  patience, 
spirit,  and  gallantry.  Not  a  post  of  danger  could  present  itself,  but 
the  gallant  fellows  were  ready  to  fill  it ;  not  a  sentinel  could  be  shot, 
but  another  was  anxious  and  ready  to  take  his  place.  Officers  and 
soldiers  vied  with  each  other  to  be  honoured  martyrs  in  their  country's 
cause.  This  is  the  general  character  of  the  troops  I  had  the  honour 
to  command,  and  I  was  confident  the  crown  of  victory  would  perch 
upon  their  standard  wrhen  the  last  great  effort  should  be  made. 
Their  bold  and  determined  front  deprived  them  of  what  they  anx 
iously  desired. 

"  On  the  30th  ultimo,  General  Santa  Anna  had  established  his 
battery  bearing  upon  San  Jose,  and  opened  with  much  spirit. 
Having  anticipated  this  movement,  I  had  thrown  up  a  traverse  on 
the  plaza,  and  withdrawn  a  twelve-pounder  from  Loreto,  by  which 
means  I  was  enabled  to  answer  his  shot.  Towards  night  his  bat 
tery  ceased,  and  on  the  next  morning  was  withdrawn,  together  with 
from  three  to  four  thousand  of  the  besieging  force,  to  meet  the  rein 
forcements  then  daily  expected  at  PinaL 

"  On  the  2d  instant,  I  availed  myself  of  some  reduction  of  the 
enemy's  numbers  to  make  a  sortie  against  certain  barricades  and 
buildings,  whose  fire  had  become  very  annoying.  One  of  the  ex 
peditions  was  confided  to  Captain  Small,  of  the  1st  Pennsylvania 
volunteers.  Passing  through  the  walls  of  an  entire  square  with 
fifty  men^he  gained  a  position  opposite  the  barricade,  and  drove  the 
14  •  V 


158  COLONEL    CHILDS. 

enemy  with  great  loss,  they  leaving  seventeen  dead  on  the  ground. 
The  barricade,  consisting  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  bales  of  cotton, 
was  consumed.  In  this  affair  Captain  Small  and  his  command  be 
haved  with  great  gallantry,  and  for  twenty-four  hours  were  unceas 
ing  in  their  labours  in  accomplishing  the  object,  when  I  sent  Lieu 
tenant  Laidley,  of  the  ordnance  corps,  to  blow  up  a  prominent 
building,  which  was  done  by  that  excellent  officer  in  good  style, 
when  the  entire  party  was  withdrawn,  with  few  wounded. 

"At  the  same  time,  Lieutenant  Morgan,  of  the  14th  regiment, 
with  a  detachment  of  marines,  and  Lieutenant  Merrifield,  of  the 
15th  regiment,  with  a  detachment  of  rifles,  attempted  to  gain  pos 
session  of  certain  buildings  from  which  we  were  receiving  a  most 
galling  fire.  Lieutenant  Merrifield  entered  the  buildings ;  Lieu 
tenant  Morgan  was  not  so  fortunate.  The  enemy  being  present  in 
great  force,  I  directed  him  to  fall  back,  with  the  loss  of  one  man 
killed.  On  the  5th  instant,  Captain  Herron  was  detached  with  his 
company  to  take  possession  of  a  building  from  which  the  enemy 
had  been  enfilading  the  plaza.  This  he  did  in  a  very  handsome 
manner,  and  to  my  entire  satisfaction,  with  only  a  few  men  wounded. 

"Other  minor  acts  of  gallantry  and  good  conduct  were  exhibited 
by  officers  and  men  at  San  Jose,  and  from  Guadalupe  one  or  two 
successful  sorties  were  made  upon  the  enemy  when  engaged  in 
their  daily  attacks  on  San  Jose. 

"  From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Black,  the  immediate  commander  of 
San  Jose,  and  his  officers,  I  have  received  the  most  cordial  support. 
Colonel  Black,  for  more  than  thirty  days,  was  untiring  in  his  efforts 
and  zeal  for  the  safety  of  that  point.  Officers  and  men  were  at 
their  posts  night  and  day,  without  regarding  the  pelting  storm ;  and 
I  cannot  say  too  much  in  praise  of  the  gallant  colonel,  his  officers 
and  men,  before  and  during  the  siege." 

Immediately  after  this  gallant  defence,  General  Lane  arrived  at 
Puebla ;  but  ascertaining  that  Santa  Anna  had  retired  to  Atlixco,  he 
pushed  forward  for  that  place,  leaving  Colonel  Childs  still  in  com 
mand  of  the  post  he  had  so  ably  defended. 


GENERAL  GUSHING. 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  CALEB  GUSHING  is  a  native  of  Newburyport, 
in  the  commonwealth  of  Massachusetts.  He  was  educated  at  Har 
vard  University,  where  he  graduated  in  the  year  1817  with 
very  distinguished  honours.  He  afterwards  became  a  tutor  in  the 
University,  and  was  elected  a  member  of  the  American  Academy 
of  Arts  and  Sciences.  During  his  connection  with  the  University 
he  was  one  of  the  ablest  of  the  contributors  to  the  North  American 
Review.  Abandoning  these  purely  literary  pursuits,  he  studied 
law,  and  practised  in  his  native  town  till  the  year  1835,  when  he 
was  elected  a  member  of  Congress  from  his  native  district,  on  the 
Whig  ticket.  He  continued  to  be  a  member  of  the  House  of  Rep 
resentatives  until  the  year  1843,  when  he  was  sent  on  the  mission 
to  China  by  President  Tyler. 

After  his  return  he  remained  retired  from  public  life  until  April 
14th,  1847,  when  he  was  appointed  brigadier-general  in  the  army. 
He  joined  General  Taylor  during  the  summer,  but  was  afterwards 
ordered  to  Vera  Cruz.  A  number  of  important  duties  detained  him 
at  this  place  until  after  the  capture  of  the  Mexican  capital,  thus  pre 
venting  him  from  participating  in  the  toils  and  dangers  of  our 
army.  His  prompt  discharge  of  every  known  duty,  and  his  ami 
ability  as  an  officer  and  companion,  have  endeared  him  to  all  those 
with  whom  the  fortune  of  war  has  placed  him. 


(159) 


COLONEL  EILEY. 


COLONEL  BENNET  RILEY  is  a  native  of  Maryland,  and  served 
with  distinction  in  the  war  of  1812.  From  the  post  of  ensign  of 
riflemen,  to  which  he  was  appointed  January  19th,  1813,  he  has 
risen  by  regular  gradation  to  his  present  rank.  At  Contreros  he  led 
the  assailing  party  on  both  days,  and  finally  carried  the  work  with 
the  bayonet,  in  a  style  which  has  rarely  been  surpassed.  During 
the  whole  of  those  eventful  days,  his  brigade  endured  hardships, 
and  performed  actions,  worthy  of  a  place  beside  the  wildest  re 
cords  of  chivalry.  General  Smith  thus  speaks  of  it :  — 

"The  opportunity  afforded  to  Colonel  Riley  by  his  position 
was  seized  by  that  gallant  veteran  with  all  the  skill  and  energy 
for  which  he  is  distinguished.  The  charge  of  his  noble  brigade 
down  the  slope,  in  full  view  of  friend  and  foe,  unchecked  even 
for  a  moment,  until  he  had  planted  all  his  colours  upon  their 
farthest  works,  was  a  spectacle  that  animated  the  army  to  the  bold 
est  deeds." 

Similar  was  the  conduct  of  Colonel  Riley  in  the  battle  along 
the  aqueducts  leading  to  the  capital.  He  stormed  some  of  the 
enemy's  positions,  and  on  the  night  of  December  13th  had  arrived 
before  the  principal  gate.  He  entered  Mexico  next  morning,  in 
company  with  the  commander-in-chief,  and  still  remains  at  the  head 
of  his  troops  in  the  capital. 


(160) 


COLONEL  BUTLER. 


PIERCE  M.  BUTLER  was  colonel  of  the  South  Carolina  regiment 
rf  volunteers,  and  highly  distinguished  himself  in  the  battles  of  the 
19th  and  20th  of  August.  He  had  left  a  sick-bed  to  share  the 
dangers  of  battle,  and  although  twice  wounded,  he  continued  in  the 
saddle,  animating  his  men,  until  struck  down  before  Churubusco. 
When  his  fall  was  announced  in  his  native  state,  it  caused  sensa 
tions  of  the  deepest  sorrow ;  friends  who  knew  his  worth  mourned 
for  him  as  for  a  brother,  and  strangers,  acquainted  with  him  only  by 
reputation,  felt  that  a  great  and  good  man  had  been  taken  from 
among  them.  General  Shields  thus  announces  his  death  to  the 
commander-in-chief :  — 

"  The  noble  and  gallant  colonel  of  the  South  Carolina  regiment, 
P.  M.  Butler,  had  risen  from  his  sick-bed  to  share  the  hardships 
of  the  field,  and  the  dangers  of  the  combat,  with  his  devoted  regi 
ment.  He  survived  the  conflict  of  the  morning  to  lead  his  command 
where  victory  again  awaited  it.  Although  wounded  himself,  and 
having  lost  his  horse,  shot  under  him,  he  still  continued  to  press 
onward  near  the  colours  of  his  regiment,  until  the  fatal  ball  termi 
nated  his  life. 

"  A  gallant  soldier  in  his  youth,  he  has  won  in  his  death  upon  the 
field  of  battle,  fame  for  himself  and  his  regiment,  and  added  another 
name  to  the  roll  of  Carolina's  departed  heroes." 

The  New  Orleans  Delta  has  the  following  remarks  upon  the 
colonel's  death :  — 

"  The  death  of  this  gallant  South  Carolinian,  the  representative 
on  the  bloody  field  of  Churubusco  of  as  noble  a  race  of  heroes  as 
any  country  has  produced,  will  create  a  profound  and  extended 
sorrow  in  this  country.  He  has  been  for  a  long  time  a  conspicuous 
and  prominent  citizen  of  South  Carolina,  and  was  noted  for  his  great 
14*  (161) 


162  COLONEL   BUTLER. 

resolution  and  indomitable  courage.  He  possessed  military  quali 
ties  of  the  highest  order,  and  gave  promise  of  great  success  and  dis 
tinction  in  a  career  which,  alas !  terminated  at  its  very  commence 
ment.  Colonel  Butler  had  been  very  ill  for  several  days  previous 
to  the  battle,  but  when  he  heard  that  the  Palmetto  flag  was  going 
into  the  fight,  unaccompanied  by  him  to  whose  special  charge  it  had 
been  committed,  he  broke  loose  from  his  physicians,  abandoned  his 
sick  couch,  and,  weak,  ghastly,  and  almost  fainting,  mounted  his 
charger,  and  placed  himself  at  the  head  of  his  regiment.  With  such 
an  example,  men  far  less  ardent  and  gallant  than  the  South  Caroli 
nians  would  have  been  prompted  to  deeds  of  superhuman  daring. 
But  there  was  no  such  incitement  necessary  to  impel  the  sons  of  the 
«  Harry  Hotspur  of  the  Union,'  as  Prentiss  once  styled  the  gallant 
Palmetto  State,  to  the  most  brilliant  and  conspicuous  display  of  mili 
tary  qualities.  Colonel  Butler,  though  twice  badly  wounded,  and 
weighed  down  by  faintness  and  loss  of  blood,  maintained  his  position 
until  a  third  wound  caused  his  death." 

"We  lay  before  our  readers,"  says  the  Charleston  Mercury,  "the 
following  interesting  correspondence.  Its  perusal  cannot  fail  to 
heighten  our  admiration  of  the  character,  and  endear  more  strongly 
the  memory,  of  that  gallant  spirit  whose  heroic  aspirations  are  now 
quenched  in  the  grave.  Though  doomed  himself,  with  his  brave 
command,  as  was  supposed,  to  inglorious  inaction,  and  gloomy  and 
chafed  from  the  disappointment,  Colonel  Butler  could  appreciate 
the  yearnings  of  a  brother  soldier  for  a  closer  participation  in  the 
coming  fray — 'to  be  nearer  the  flashing  of  the  guns' — and  lend  his 
friendly  aid  to  secure  their  gratification.  The  letter  of  General 
Worth  is  as  honourable  to  himself  as  to  the  memory  of  the  gallant 
Butler.  Kindred  spirits !  they  could  appreciate  each  other ;  and 
gracefully  has  the  survivor  wreathed  the  laurel  and  cypress  over 
the  grave  of  his  friend.  A  soldier  needs  no  nobler  eulogist. 

Letter  from  Major-General  Worth  to  Hon.  A.  Butler,  [dated 
Tacubaya,  Mexico,  August  26th,  1847.] 

"  SIR  :  I  trust  a  cordial  intimacy  and  friendship  of  twenty-five 
years  with  your  late  brother,  the  gallant  Colonel  Butler,  will  excuse 
the  trespass  of  a  stranger.  Your  brother  fell  most  gloriously  in  the 
great  battle  of  the  20th,  before  the  gates  of  Mexico.  In  that  bloody 
conflict,  no  man  gave  higher  evidence  of  valour  and  patriotism,  or 


COLONEL    BUTLER.  163 

exhibited  a  brighter  example.  He  fell  when  it  was  God's  will, 
precisely  as  he  would  have  desired  to  die.  His  body  rests  here  ; 
his  memory  in  the  hearts  of  his  countrymen  ;  his  spirit,  bright  and 
pure  as  his  blade,  with  his  God. 

"  The  enclosed  letter,  written  the  day  before  the  battle,  I  did  not 
receive  until  the  day  after,  through  the  hands  of  Dickinson ;  and  it 
is  not  because  of  the  kind  things  said  by  a  friend's  partiality,  but 
because  it  is  probably  the  last  letter  he  penned,  that  I  send  it  to 
you ;  begging  that  at  some  future  day  it  may  be  returned  to  me,  to 
be  preserved  and  cherished. 

"  The  gallant  Palmettos,  who  showed  themselves  worthy  of  their 
state  and  country,  lost  nearly  one  half.  This  victory  will  carry  joy 
and  sorrow  into  half  the  families  of  South  Carolina.  Colonel  Dick 
inson  is  getting  on  well,  and  will,  it  is  hoped,  save  his  leg.  An 
armistice  is  concluded,  and  commissioners  meet  to-morrow  to  treat 
of  peace.  God  speed  them. 

Letter  from  Colonel  Butler  to  General  Worth,  [dated  San  Augus- 
tin,  August  19th,  1847.] 

"  DEAR  GENERAL  :  We  are  here  in  tribulation  ;  I  can  but  hope, 
however,  it  is  but  temporary.  It  is  ordered  that  this  division  remain 
as  protection  to  the  train.  There  is  gloom  on  us  all :  while  I  am 
one  who  believes  there  will  be  fighting  enough  for  all.  -The  moral 
effect  is  withering.  The  regiment,  though  weak  in  numbers,  is  up 
to  the  full  point,  and  I  trust  South  Carolina  may  have  a  place  in  the 
picture. 

"  We  have  been  watching  you  and  your  division  for  the  last  two 
days  with  fraternal  affection;  but  the  entire  voice  of  the  army, 
where  I  have  been,  or  heard,  is  unbounded  confidence  in  '  Worth.' 
« So  mote  it  be.'  But  I  have  strayed  from  the  principal  point  or 
purpose  of  my  note,  which  is  to  say,  our  friend,  Colonel  Dickinson, 
more  impatient,  and  not  so  long  a  soldier  as  myself,  desires  a  place 
nearer  the  flashing  of  the  guns  ;  and  with  good  taste,  wishes  to  get 
near  you.  If  you  can  make  him  useful,  he  will  feel  much  gratified. 
I  am  aware  you  are  surrounded  by  a  talented  staff,  but  a  little  more 
of  a  good  thing  will  render  it  not  the  less  complete  or  effectual." 


MAJOK  VINTON. 


THE  son  of  a  lady  of  uncommon  powers  of  mind,  joined  with 
great  worth  and  influence  of  character,  the  elder  of  four  brothers, 
now  distinguished  in  the  church  and  the  army,  Vinton  was  a  boy  of 
unusual  promise  at  school,  and  was  celebrated  at  West  Point,  where 
his  instructors,  in  letters  written  at  the  time,  pronounced  him  "  un 
rivalled"  in  genius,  acquirements,  and  high  tone  of  moral  character. 
He  received  a  commission  when  scarcely  seventeen,  was  employed 
for  several  years  on  topographical  duty  on  the  Atlantic  coast  and 
the  Canada  line,  and  yet  was  so  good  a  tactician,  that  at  an  early 
age  he  was  appointed  by  General  Eustis  adjutant  at  the  school  of 
practice,  and  gave  entire  satisfaction,  in  that  arduous  office,  to  a  fas 
tidious  commander.  While  residing  at  Washington,  as  aid  to  Ge 
neral  Brown,  he  was  employed  by  the  government  in  several  duties 
of  a  special  nature,  and  certain  papers  which  he  prepared  were  so 
generally  admired  in  Congress,  that  in  a  leading  speech  in  favour 
of  the  Military  Academy,  Lieutenant  Vinton  was  referred  to  as  an 
instance  of  the  kind  of  men  the  system  of  that  institution  could 
produce. 

By  pursuing  a  course  of  rigid  self-denial  and  discipline,  he 
was  able  to  perform  labours  in  various  departments  of  art  and  science, 
in  such  a  manner  as  to  command  the  respect  of  men  to  whom  those 
pursuits  were  professional.  The  works  of  his  pencil  are  received 
among  artists ;  his  correspondence  upon  astronomical  subjects  was 
valued  by  men  of  science ;  his  general  scholarship  procured  him  a 
degree  of  Master  of  Arts  in  a  leading  university ;  his  edition  of  the 
work  on  military  tactics  was  highly  satisfactory  to  the  government 
and  the  general-in-chief ;  and  in  the  second  volume  of  Mr.  Sumner's 
Reports,  the  lawyer  will  find  an  argument  prepared  by  him  in  a  case 
in  which  he  was  personally  interested,  depending  before  Judge 
(164) 


HIS   ACQUIREMENTS.  165 

Story,  to  which  that  judge  paid  the  best  compliment  of  following,  in 
his  decision,  the  same  course  of  reasoning  pursued  in  the  argument. 

His  letters  show  him  to  have  been  as  remarkable  for  the  sound 
ness*  of  his  views  as  for  his  acquisitions.  With  reference  to  several 
political  and  theological  subjects  of  those  times,  they  show  us  how 
a  thoughtful  man,  removed  from  the  strife  of  parties  and  the  whirl 
of  events,  may  take  the  same  views  at  which  the  actors  come  to 
after  the  retrospection  of  years. 

But  that  which  most  interests  us  in  his  character,  is  the  tender 
ness  and  depth  of  his  affections.  He  had  married  a  lady  of  distin 
guished  merit  and  beauty,  who  died  early,  leaving  three  children, 
two  daughters  and  a  son,  who  now  survive  both  their  parents.  In 
his  relations  as  a  father,  a  husband,  a  son,  and  a  brother,  he  was 
sensitive  to  every  impression,  and  gave  and  received  exquisite  plea 
sure  in  the  interchanges  of  affection  and  esteem.  In  one  letter  we 
find  an  earnest  plea  for  the  paternal  affection,  in  answer  to  a  sug 
gestion  that  it  might  interfere  with  the  love  and  duty  we  owe  to  the 
Most  High.  He  speaks  from  the  heart,  and  will  not  permit  the  na 
tural  affections  to  be  severed  from  religion,  and  set  over  against  the 
love  of  God. 

While  in  Florida,  in  the  prosecution  of  the  war,  his  mind  came 
under  the  influence  of  religion  far  more  than  ever  before.  His 
whole  soul  was  warmed  into  a  new  life,  and  for  a  while,  like  the 
bewildered  apostles,  he  seemed  to  "  stand,  gazing  up  into  heaven." 
His  journal  and  letters  during  this  period  are  of  the  most  intensely 
interesting  character.  Nothing,  in  the  famed  life  of  Martyn,  more 
touches  the  heart,  than  the  humility,  self-accusation,  and  child 
like  devotedness  of  this  high-minded,  heroic  man.  At  a  secluded 
post,  in  the  midst  of  the  interminable  pine  forests,  the  solitude  and 
silence  of  which  he  describes  as  awful  and  almost  oppressive,  far 
from  his  family  and  friends,  his  mind  and  affections  ripened  into  the 
highest  state  of  Christian  experience  and  discipline.  He  then 
turned  his  thoughts,  or  rather,  they  were  turned  for  him,  towards 
the  office  of  the  Christian  ministry.  His  letters  are  full  of  doubts, 
hopes,  and  plannings  for  taking  holy  orders.  He  fears  that  his 
health  will  not  enable  him  to  follow  a  sedentary  life  ;  he  doubts  his 
fitness ;  fears  that  selfish  motives,  the  prospect  of  bemg  with  his 
family  and  friends,  may  combine  with  others ;  and  examines  him 
self  in  the  most  thorough  and  humble  manner.  He  cannot  honour 

V* 


166  MAJOR  VINTON. 

ably  quit  the  army  then  in  the  field,  and  the  prospect  of  retiring 
from  it  was  somewhat  distant.  His  pecuniary  affairs,  too,  were 
hardly  such  as  to  warrant  him  in  yielding  up  all  income  for  three 
or  four  years ;  and  the  banks  in  which  his  property  was  invested 
were  embarrassed  and  in  danger.  Then,  too,  he  doubts  if  he  is  not 
too  old  to  begin  the  study  of  a  new  profession  ;  but  modestly  consi 
ders  his  acquirements  in  the  languages,  and  avers  that  he  aims  at 
no  distinction  as  a  scholar  or  a  preacher,  but  only  at  that  degree  of 
fitness  which  the  rules  of  the  Church  require,  to  enable  him  to  do 
his  work  in  some  humble  part  of  the  vineyard.  To  lose  no  time, 
he  sends  for  books,  and  in  his  tent  and  in  the  forest,  he  pores  over 
the  Greek  and  Hebrew,  the  commentators  and  sermonizers,  and  de 
voutly  uses  the  best  books  of  meditation  and  reflection.  He  pre 
pared  several  outlines  of  sermons,  and  in  his  choice  of  subjects 
leaned  towards  those  of  a  pathetic  and  personal  character,  that  are 
more  likely  to  bring  tears  into  the  eyes  than  to  tax  the  understand 
ing.  As  another  preparation,  he  used  to  read  parts  of  the  service 
aloud,  by  himself,  in  the  forest.  He  says,  in  his  journal : — "  It  re 
quires  time  and  habitude  for  one  to  become  reconciled  to  the  sound 
of  his  own  voice.  It  throws  one,  at  first,  into  absolute  trepidation. 
In  the  solitude  it  is  sufficiently  appalling.  What  must  it  be  in  an 
assembly  of  people,  a  silent  auditory,  where  a  thousand  eyes  are 
fixed  upon  you,  a  whole  congregation  of  faces  bent  upon  you,  ready 
to  criticise  and  condemn  the  slightest  fault  ?"  This,  from  a  man 
who  could  stand  with  firm  nerves  a  three-hours'  fire  from  concealed 
Indians,  scale  the  heights  and  walls  of  Monterey,  and  face  the  blaz 
ing  batteries  of  Vera  Cruz ! 

It  was  Captain  Vinton's  fortune  to  be  engaged  in  one  of  the  few 
battles  of  that  distasteful  war — the  action  at  Lake  Munroe.  The 
event,  and  his  own  feelings,  are  faithfully  described  in  his  letter  of 
February  12th,  1837:— 

"Early  in  the  morning  of  the  8th  instant,  half  an  hour  before 
daylight,  we  were  aroused  by  the  war-cry  of  the  savages,  and  a  fire 
was  poured  into  our  camp  on  all  sides,  except  that  towards  the  lake. 
Our  men,  though  recruits,  almost  without  exception,  repaired  with 
alacrity  to  their  posts,  and  returned  upon  the  enemy  full  volleys  of 
musketry.  The  morning  was  rendered  still  more  obscure  by  a  dense 
fog,  which,  with  the  smoke  from  the  fire-arms,  nearly  concealed  the 
enemy  from  our  sight.  But  we  had  the  direction  with  sufficient 


SERVICES    IN    FLORIDA    AND   RHODE    ISLAND.       167 

precision,  and  poured  in  our  shot  with  interest.  For  three  hours 
this  conflict  continued,  with  only  one  or  two  slight  intermissions,  our 
men  gaining  confidence  and  enthusiasm  every  moment.  At  length 
the  savages  began  to  slacken  their  fire,  and  made  off,  carrying  their 
dead  and  wounded,  but  leaving  behind  many  articles  which  they 
would  never  have  relinquished  but  for  discomfiture  and  necessity. 
They  came  down  upon  us  with  all  their  force,  thinking,  perhaps,  to 
take  possession  of  our  camp.  Their  numbers  were  large,  variously 
estimated  at  from  three  to  five  hundred,  and  their  fire  was  sustained 
with  a  vigour  and  pertinacity  unprecedented."  In  this  action  Cap 
tain  Mellon  was  killed,  and  Lieutenant  McLaughlin  and  thirteen 
privates  wounded.  One  man  was  struck  down  at  Captain  Vinton's 
side,  so  near  as  to  cover  him  with  blood. 

The  continuance  of  the  war  in  Florida,  and  the  financial  difficul 
ties  of  the  country,  as  well  as  his  uncertain  health,  obliged  him  to 
abandon  his  cherished  hope  of  the  ministry,  and  he  made  up  his 
mind  to  devote  the  remainder  of  his  life  to  the  duties  of  his  profes 
sion,  to  general  studies,  and  the  education  of  his  children. 

Being  at  Providence  during  the  Dorr  insurrection,  he  entered 
ardently  into  the  cause  of  the  state,  and  saw  the  necessity  of  mili 
tary  organization  and  discipline  to  save  the  lives  and  property  of  the 
inhabitants  from  the  recklessness  of  an  armed  mob.  He  hastened  to 
Washington,  and  asked  authority  to  offer  his  services  to  the  state. 
This  was  not  given,  and  he  was  told  that  he  must  act  on  his  own  re 
sponsibility.  As  he  was  not  forbidden,  he  took  the  responsibility  ;  and 
had  he  been  called  to  account,  would  have  made  any  sacrifice  for  the 
good  of  his  native  state.  He  knew  the  risk  he  ran ;  for  it  was  generally 
feared  that  if  the  Dorr  movement  prevailed  in  Providence,  it  would 
also  prevail  in  Washington.  The  people  of  Rhode  Island  well  re 
member  and  appreciate  the  value  of  his  military  counsels  in  that 
crisis,  of  his  incessant  disciplining  of  the  volunteer  companies,  and 
the  spirit  and  intelligence  infused  into  the  young  citizen  soldiers  by 
his  course  of  military  lectures. 

While  stationed  at  the  arsenal  at  Augusta,  Georgia,  he  received 
orders  to  join  the  army  of  General  Taylor  on  its  march  from  the  Rio 
Grande  toward  the  city  of  Monterey.  During  this  march,  he  per 
formed  the  duties  of  a  field-officer,  often  with  a  separate  command, 
a  proof  of  peculiar  confidence  in  an  enemy's  country.  He  was  sent 


168  MAJOR   VINTON. 

to  take  possession  of  Mier,  which  it  was  thought  would  be  defended, 
and  to  act  as  governor  of  the  place  during  its  occupation.  This  he 
did,  and  remained  there  until  the  army  passed  on,  and  then  rejoined 
it  in  season  to  act  a  conspicuous  part  in  the  battle  of  Monterey. 

On  the  night  before  the  battle  of  Monterey,  he  writes  to  his 
daughter,  showing  a  spirit  of  preparation  for  the  duties  and  chances 
of  the  morrow,  which  could  not  but  ensure  him  success  in  what 
ever  might  fall  to  his  lot  to  attempt. 

He  was  with  General  Worth's  division,  and  was  actively  and 
prominently  engaged  in  the  operations  of  each  day.  He  was  with 
the  troops  as  they  passed  so  long  under  the  fire  from  the  two  heights, 
in  the  storming  of  those  heights,  the  capture  of  the  palace,  and  the 
penetrating  into  the  town,  the  digging  through  walls,  and  firing  from 
house-tops.  He  was  in  five  several  engagements,  in  each  of  which 
he  was  exposed  to  severe  fire  from  the  enemy.  In  the  storming  of 
the  second  hill,  he  led  a  battalion  on  one  side  of  the  hill,  while  Co 
lonel  Childs  commanded  on  the  other;  and  after  forcing  their  way 
up,  over  rocks  and  brambles,  amid  a  shower  of  musket-balls,  they 
drove  the  enemy  from  the  top,  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  and 
forced  them  to  retreat  to  the  stronghold  of  the  Bishop's  Palace. 

The  part  performed  by  him  in  the  capture  of  the  Bishop's  Palace 
was  of  so  distinguished  a  character,  and  attracted  such  admiration  at 
the  time,  that  it  deserves  a  full  recital  here.  We  cannot  present  a 
juster  description  of  it  than  is  contained  in  a  letter  from  Captain 
Blanchard,  who  served  under  him  at  the  time. 

"  I  found  Captain  J.  R.  Vinton  in  command  of  the  advance,  and 
he  then  told  me  that  his  plan  was  to  try  to  draw  the  erfemy  from 
their  position,  in  and  near  the  palace,  and  when  they  were  fairly 
out,  to  rise  and  charge  them  vigorously,  and,  if  possible,  to  get 
possession  of  the  palace.  The  advance  was  covered  as  much  as 
possible  behind  the  rocks,  to  protect  them  from  the  dreadful  shower 
of  grape  and  musketry  which  the  enemy  kept  up  from  their  de 
fences.  I  asked  him  if  we  should  advance  or  fire.  He  told  me 
that  I  might  advance  if  I  did  not  expose  my  men  too  much,  and  that 
he  wished  me  to  fall  back  whenever  I  saw  the  enemy  coming  out, 
until  we  were  upon  his  line  of  ambush,  and  then  to  close  on  him 
and  rush  on  them.  It  was  a  well-conceived  plan,  and  the  result 
showed  that  it  was  well  executed.  The  enemy  were  induced  to 
come  out  and  charge,  and  as  they  came  up  the  hill,  Captain  Vinton 


ORDERED   TO   JOIN    SCOTT.  169 

shouted,  *  Now,  my  men,  close  and  drive  them  !'  With  one  will  they 
closed  to  centre,  delivered  their  fire,  and  with  charged  bayonets 
rushed  on  the  Mexicans.  They  were  thunderstruck,  and,  after  a 
moment's  stand,  broke  and  ran.  Our  men  were  in  the  palace  and 
fort  before  they  all  escaped,  and  in  ten  minutes  their  own  guns  were 
turned  upon  them.  The  main  body  under  Colonel  Childs  came 
down  in  solid  column,  and  we  were  the  victors.  It  was  a  stirring, 
thrilling  scene,  and  I  cannot  do  it  justice,  for  it  should  be  seen  to  be 
felt.  Captain  Vinton  derived  all  the  credit  which  his  position  en 
abled  him  to  obtain,  and  I  shall  always  be  of  opinion  that  his  plan 
was  an  admirable  one.  I  hope  he  will  be  promoted,  not  only  for  his 
skilful  and  gallant  conduct  on  that  day,  but  for  his  general  merito 
rious  conduct  as  an  officer." 

After  some  time  spent  at  Monterey  and  Saltillo,  he  was  ordered 
with  the  greater  part  of  the  regulars  to  join  General  Scott  in  the 
attack  on  Vera  Cruz.  Here  it  was  that  he  wrote  his  last  letter, 
which  has  already  been  given  to  the  public.  Those  who  knew  him 
know  how  truly  he  speaks  of  his  past  life.  His  country  will  not 
forget  in  what  spirit  he  gave  his  life  to  her  "in  her  time  of  appeal." 
"  I  have  hitherto  lived  mostly  for  others — but  my  children  will  reap 
some  of  the  fruits  of  my  self-denial,  by  the  means  I  shall  leave  them 
of  living  independently,  and  securing  a  good  education.  I  commit 
them,  in  full  reliance,  to  the  care  of  their  Heavenly  Father,  and  I 
hope  their  trust  in  him  will  ever  be  at  least  as  firm  as  my  own.  My 
confidence  in  the  overruling  providence  of  God  is  unqualified,  so 
that  I  go  to  the  field  of  action  assured  that  whatever  may  befall  me 
will  be  for  the  best.  I  feel  proud  to  serve  my  country  in  her  time 
of  appeal ;  and  should  even  the  worst,  death  itself,  be  my  lot,  I  shall 
meet  it  cheerfully." 

His  habits  of  order  were  singularly  preserved  to  the  last.  On 
the  leaves  of  a  pocket-book  he  made  daily  and  almost  hourly  memo 
randa  in  pencil,  which  he  afterwards  transferred  at  leisure  to  his 
journal.  These  notes  are  carried  down,  in  a  clear  hand,  to  within 
less  than  an  hour  of  his  fall,  and  being  found  on  his  person  are  now 
in  the  possession  of  his  friends.  The  last  entry  is  as  follows : — 

"March  %2d. — Ordered  to  the  trenches  to  command  the  batteries, 
early.  General  Scott  sent  in  a  flag  for  the  city  to  surrender,  at  2 
P.  M. ;  refused.  Seven  mortars  opened  at  4  P.  M.  Heavy  cannon 
ading" These  were  his  last  words. 

15 


170  MAJOR   VINTON. 

Towards  evening  of  the  22d  of  March,  Major  Vinton  went  out 
upon  an  exposed  situation,  to  watch  the  effect  of  our  shot  and  the 
direction  of  that  from  the  enemy.  He  remained  there  for  some  time, 
came  down,  and  said  to  Major  Martin  Scott,  who  commanded  the 
covering  party,  "  Tell  the  officers,  major,  as  you  pass  the  mortars, 
that  our  guns  are  working  accurately."  He  had  just  returned  to 
his  post  when  a  huge  shell,  striking  the  top  of  the  parapet,  glanced 
and  struck  his  head,  fracturing  the  skull.  He  fell  instantly  dead, 
lying  upon  his  back,  with  his  arms  crossed  over  his  breast ;  his  face, 
as  an  officer  writes  who  was  present,  "  retaining  its  habitual  expres 
sion,  sedate  and  earnest,  but  not  harsh."  The  officers  and  men 
rushed  to  him  as  he  fell,  and  gathered  about  him.  The  shell  did 
not  burst,  fortunately,  for  it  was  found  to  be  charged  with  a  pound 
of  powder  and  three  hundred  and  twenty  musket-balls.  Upon  his 
body  were  found  letters  from  his  children,  stained  with  his  life-blood, 
which  flowed  from  a  wound  in  his  breast.  He  was  buried  in  the 
military  coat  in  which  he  fell.  The  funeral  was  attended  by  the 
general-in-chief  and  all  the  officers  who  could  be  spared  from  duty, 
and  the  service  of  the  church  was  read  over  him  by  a  brother  officer 
— a  friend  of  many  years — amid  the  roar  of  cannon,  the  falling  of 
the  enemy's  shot,  and  the  whirling  of  sand  in  the  fierce  Norther — 
snatched  from  the  victory  of  the  morrow,  that  his  spirit  might  gain 
a  greater  victory  over  death  and  the  grave. 


CAPTAIN  THOKNTON. 


CAPTAIN  SETH  B.  THORNTON  was  a  native  of  Virginia,  and  served 
with  credit  in  the  late  Seminole  war.  In  June,  1836,  he  was  ap 
pointed  2d  lieutenant  in  the  army ;  and  in  February,  1841,  was 
commissioned  captain  of  the  2d  dragoons.  He  joined  the  Corps  of 
Observation,  at  its  first  organization,  and  after  its  arrival  at  the  Rio 
Grande,  was  destined  to  command  the  first  party  attacked  by  the 
Mexicans,  and  to  begin  the  war. 

In  consequence  of  the  rumoured  intentions  of  the  enemy,  Captain 
Thornton  was  despatched  on  the  24th  of  April,  1846,  to  the  crossing, 
above  Fort  Brown,  and  Captain  Ker  below.  Accompanying  Thornton 
were  Captain  Hardee,  Lieutenants  Mason  and  Kane,  and  sixty-one 
men.  After  proceeding  about  twenty-six  miles,  they  encountered  a 
Mexican,  who  reported  that  at  a  short  distance,  the  enemy  were 
stationed  to  the  number  of  two  thousand,  under  General  Torrejon. 
Partly  from  the  cowardice  of  their  Mexican  guide,  and  partly  from 
ignorance  of  the  country,  they  were  led  into  a  plantation  surrounded 
by  a  thick  chapparal  fence,  round  which  was  concealed  an  ambush 
of  more  than  ten  times  their  number.  Thornton,  followed  by  his 
command,  crossed  the  plantation  to  the  house,  where  he  eutered  into 
conversation  with  one  of  the  residents.  While  thus  engaged,  the 
enemy  took  possession  of  the  gate,  and  now  for  the  first  time,  the 
party  perceived  that  the  chapparal  was  crowded  with  infantry,  sup 
ported  by  cavalry,  who  were  preparing  for  a  charge.  This  was  met 
with  gallantry  and  success ;  but  in  the  struggle  Lieutenant  Kane 
was  unhorsed,  and  the  captain  became  separated  from  his  command. 
The  whole  Mexican  force  now  poured  in  a  destructive  fire  upon  the 
few  men  under  Captain  Hardee,  who,  notwithstanding,  rallied  and 
endeavoured  to  retreat  by  way  of  the  river.  This  he  was  unable  to 

(171) 


172  CAPTAIN    THORNTON. 

accomplish,  and  after  having  eleven  men  killed,  including  a  sergeant 
and  two  other  officers,  he  consented  to  surrender,  on  condition  of  his 
men  being  treated  as  prisoners  of  war,  declaring  that  if  this  were 
refused,  they  would  continue  the  battle  at  all  hazards.  This  was 
acceded  to,  and  the  captain  and  twenty-five  men  were  carried  into 
Matamoras. 

The  bravery  of  Captain  Thornton  deserves  notice.  As  we  have 
stated,  he  met  the  charge  of  the  cavalry  with  success,  but  was  un 
able  to  break  the  crowded  lines  of  the  infantry  by  whom  they  were 
supported.  The  chapparal  was  at  this  time  in  one  wide  blaze  of 
fire,  and  in  rushing  toward  it,  the  horse  of  the  captain  made  a  tre 
mendous  leap,  completely  clearing  the  whole  enclosure,  and  alighted 
in  the  midst  of  the  enemy.  This  feat,  however,  was  not  performed 
with  impunity;  the  animal  received  a  severe  wound  at  the  very 
moment  of  its  accomplishment,  and  was  subsequently  obliged  to 
carry  his  intrepid  rider  through  a  host  of  armed  men.  The  captain 
escaped  unwounded,  and  though  both  horse  and  rider  subsequently 
encountered  a  severe  fall,  he  succeeded  in  approaching  within  about 
five  miles  of  the  American  camp.  But  at  this  place  he  was  inter 
cepted  by  an  advance-guard  of  the  enemy,  and  conveyed  prisoner 
to  Matamoras. 

Lieutenant  Mason  was  killed  before  the  chapparal,  and  Kane 
shared  the  fate  of  Thornton. 

Notwithstanding  the  disadvantages  against  which  the  Americans 
contended,  this  affair  was  a  source  of  unbounded  exultation  to  the 
enemy.  Besides  public  rejoicing  in  Matamoras,  Arista  wrote  to 
General  Torrejon  in  terms  of  congratulation,  which  would  have 
been  considered  extravagant  in  General  Taylor  after  the  battle  of 
Palo  Alto. 

Captain  Thornton  was  retained  by  the  Mexicans  until  after  the 
battle  of  Resaca  de  la  Palma,  when  an  exchange  of  prisoners  re 
stored  him  to  the  American  army.  He  was  immediately  placed 
under  arrest,  and  a  court  of  inquiry  held  upon  the  causes  of  his 
capture,  which  resulted  in  his  honourable  acquittal  of  all  blame  He 
accompanied  the  army  to  Monterey,  and  subsequently  joined  the 
comrnander-in-chief  in  his  march  toward  central  Mexico.  The 
hardships  of  that  terrible  journey  preyed  upon  his  naturally  delicate 
constitution,  and  rendered  him  an  invalid  before  the  city  of  the 
Montezuma's  greeted  the  army's  longing  sight.  Eager,  however, 


CAPTAIN    THORNTON.  173 

for  duty,  nothing  could  prevail  on  him  to  be  inactive,  as  soon  as 
prospect  of  battle  was  presented.  During  the  reconnoissance  near 
San  Antonio,  on  the  evening  of  the  18th  August,  he  accompanied 
the  men,  assisting  personally  in  the  most  fatiguing  duties.  While 
thus  engaged,  a  discharge  from  a  battery  within  the  fort  struck  him 
dead  from  his  horse,  and  wounded  a  guide. 

Thornton  seemed  born  to  misfortune.  He  was  a  passenger  in  the 
ill-fated  Pulaski,  and  after  doing  all  he  could  to  rescue  others,  he 
attempted  to  save  himself  by  seizing  upon  a  chicken-coop.  He 
picked  several  out  of  the  water ;  but  one  by  one  they  died  and 
dropped  off,  and  he  himself  became  a  half-famished  maniac,  before 
he  was  found.  In  military  affairs  he  was  always  unfortunate.  He 
was  endowed  with  a  courage  which  nothing  could  daunt ;  but  his 
spirit  was  much  too  ardent  and  impetuous  for  his  physical  structure, 
he  being  of  a  small  stature,  and  delicate  constitution. 


GENEEAL  KEARNY. 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  STEPHEN  W.  KEARNY  is  a  native  of  New 
Jersey,  and  entered  the  army  as  first  lieutenant  of  the  13th  infantry, 
March  12th,  1812.  He  rose  by  regular  gradation  to  brigadier-gene 
ral,  April  30th,  1846. 

Kearny  was  intended  by  his  parents  for  one  of  the  learned  pro 
fessions,  and  being  placed  at  Princeton  college,  made  rapid  advances 
in  the  various  studies  pursued  there.  The  outrages  perpetrated  by 
Great  Britain  on  our  commerce,  roused  him  from  a  scholar's  seclu 
sion,  and  fired  his  spirit  with  ambition  for  distinction  in  the  coming 
contest.  He  marched  under  Captain  [now  General]  Wool  to  the 
Canada  border,  and  fought  with  the  army  which  so  gallantly  com 
pensated  for  the  disgrace  of  Hull's  surrender  at  Detroit.  He  was 
with  Wool  at  Glueenstown,  and  in  company  with  Colonel  Scott,  was 
taken  prisoner  by  an  overwhelming  British  force  on  the  Canadian 
side,  and  sent  to  Quebec.  In  a  little  while  he  was  exchanged,  re 
joined  the  army,  and  served  with  distinction  and  usefulness,  until 
the  close  of  the  war. 

From  this  time,  until  the  commencement  of  our  struggle  with 
Mexico,  he  remained  in  the  army,  performing  various  duties,  prin 
cipally  among  the  Indian  tribes  and  the  scattered  posts  owned  by 
government  in  the  western  wilderness.  He  conducted  several  ex 
peditions  to  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  New  Mexico,  gaining  valu 
able  information  of  those  territories  and  their  inhabitants,  and  ac 
customing  himself  to  the  labours  and  privations  of  a  western  hunter. 
At  the  same  time  he  employed  all  his  leisure  hours  in  gaining  a 
knowledge  of  military  tactics,  both  from  books  and  by  means  of 
personal  intercourse  with  distinguished  officers. 

On  the  30th  of  June,  1846,  by  order  of  government,  General 
(174) 


GENERAL  KEARNY. 


DESCRIPTION    OF   SANTA    FE.  175 

Kearny  marched  from  Fort  Leavenworth  with  sixteen  hundred 
regulars  and  volunteers,  on  an  expedition  against  Santa  Fe,  the 
capital  of  New  Mexico.  He  took  possession  of  this  place  in  Au 
gust,  having  marched  in  six  weeks  eight  hundred  and  seventy  miles. 
We  annex  a  rough  but  lively  sketch  of  the  town,  from  the  pen  of  a 
volunteer,  who  wrote  since  General  Kearny's  arrival  in  the  United 
States. 

"  On  the  Cimmerone  route  to  Santa  Fe,  the  scene  of  Indian  de 
predations  is  chiefly  between  what  is  called  the  *  Pawnee  Fork'  and 
Cimmerone  river,  a  distance  of,  say  two  hundred  miles ;  yet  the 
road  is  by  no  means  safe,  even  until  you  arrive  within  the  frontier 
settlements  of  New  Mexico.  We  travelled  most  of  the  way  with 
three  companies  of  the  mounted  regiment,  and  attribute  our  safety 
through  the  Indian  country  to  the  fact  that  the  military  were  with 
us — as  from  signs  frequently  seen,  there  is  no  doubt  the  Indians 
were  constantly  around,  watching  for  a  favourable  opportunity  to 
attack  us ;  but  we  were  always  vigilant,  and  thus  escaped.  I  am 
glad  the  government  has  sent  a  force  to  guard  the  plains.  Every 
thing  will  depend  upon  the  material  of  which  the  command  is  com 
posed.  Little  need  be  expected  if  it  is  made  up  of  officers  and  men 
who  sought  the  service  because  they  had  nothing  to  do  at  home  to 
keep  them  from  starving.  God  knows  there  are  enough  such  in  the 
service  already.  *  *  *  *  Every  coffee-house  in  Sante  Fe,  arid 
their  name  is  legion,  was  provided  with  the  various  implements  of 
gambling,  particularly  the  national  game  of '  monte.'  Intemperance 
and  public  disorder  —  the  never-failing  attendants  of  gaming  —  pre 
vailed  in  the  city. 

"  By  order  of  the  commanding  officer,  gaming  of  all  kinds  was 
prohibited.  Coffee-house  keepers  were  forbidden  to  sell  liquor  to 
soldiers — fandangos  were  not  allowed  except  on  certain  conditions 
and  terms.  A  provost  marshal  was  appointed  to  enforce  these  or 
ders.  As  if  by  magic  the  whole  condition  of  things  was  changed. 
All  this  has  been  brought  about  by  the  energetic,  and  at  the  same 
time  judicious,  exertions  of  Colonel  Easton,  who  has  been  indus 
trious  and  indefatigable  in  the  discharge  of  his  various  duties ;  at 
the  same  time  has  kept  himself  aloof  from  the  temptations  which 
so  easily  beset  every  American  who  comes  here,  whatever  be  his 
rank  or  station.  Thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  duties  of  his 
military  profession,  he  has  exhibited  in  his  daily  life  and  manners 


176  GENERAL  KEARNY. 

the  example  of  a  well-bred  American  gentleman — an  example  sel 
dom  seen  here,  and  which  has  not  been  lost  upon  these  people.  All 
classes,  Mexicans,  and  others,  civil  and  military,  are  loud  in  their 
praise  of  him.  I  only  speak  the  sentiments  of  every  one  here, 
when  I  say  that  no  officer  since  General  Kearny  left,  enjoys  so  uni 
versally  the  good  will  and  esteem  of  all  classes  as  does  Colonel 
Easton  at  the  present  moment.  Yet  much  which  I  know  he  con 
templated  doing  towards  redeeming  this  city,  is  left  undone  since  he 
was  superseded  in  command  ;  but  during  his  brief  career  as  com 
manding  officer,  he  has  done  enough  to  secure  for  him  a  name  which 
will  be  long-  remembered  here  with  much  honour.  The  St.  Louis 
battalion  is  rapidly  improving  in  drill  and  discipline — in  this  last 
respect  it  is  excellent — while  the  drill  is  acknowledged  to  be  supe 
rior  to  any  volunteer  regiment  of  last  year.  *  *  The  battalion  is 
doing  well — as  an  evidence,  there  are  none  sick — that  is  dangerously 
— in  the  whole  command.  They  occupy  good  quarters,  barrack- 
rooms  once  occupied  by  the  Mexicans,  which  have  since  been  re 
paired  and  altered,  so  that  they  are  very  convenient,  with  an  excel 
lent  parade-ground  in  front.  The  adjutant,  Lieutenant  Holmes,  is, 
next  to  Colonel  Easton,  the  best  officer  in  the  battalion.  He  has 
been  most  diligent  in  his  application  to  his  profession,  and  now  ac^ 
quits  himself,  in  a  manner  that  would  honour  the  post  of  adjutant  in 
any  regular  regiment.  He  is  highly  esteemed  by  every  officer  and 
soldier  of  the  battalion,  and  by  all  who  know  him,  as  a  good  officer 
and  unimpeachable  gentleman. 

"  The  Mexicans  all  seem  quiet,  and  are  attending  to  their  regular 
business ;  yet  many  who  pretend  to  know,  say  that  all  this  quiet  is 
but  the  calm  which  precedes  the  storm — that  a  general  insurrection 
is  brewing,  and  may  at  any  moment  break  out.  Others,  again,  who 
also  pretend  to  understand  the  Mexicans  here,  say  there  is  no  danger 
to  be  apprehended.  I  am  strongly  inclined  to  the  opinion  that  no 
thing  serious  is  at  hand.  Among  these  people,  there  are  many  who 
are  always  ready  for  a  row,  upon  the  slightest  pretence,  but  I  be 
lieve  the  majority  are  alike  indifferent  whether  the  Great  Mogul  or 
James  K.  Polk  rules  over  them,  provided  they  can  sell  their  grapes, 
peaches,  corn  and  red  peppers,  and  smoke  their  segars  in  peace. 

"An  express,  consisting  of  a  captain,  lieutenant  and  fifteen 
men,  started  for  Washington  yesterday.  The  captain  is  bearer  of 
despatches  from  head-quarters  here,  sent  by  the  commanding  officer, 


KEARNY    MARCHES    FOR    CALIFORNIA.  177 

Colonel  Newby,  of  the  Illinois  foot.  *****  The  Missouri 
regiment  is  not  in  as  good  a  condition  as  the  St.  Louis  battalion. 
The  appointment  of  Colonel  Price  as  brigadier-general  is  by  no 
means  popular  here.  *  *  *  *  His  command  while  here  was 
in  a  cbnstant  state  of  disorganization  —  no  order,  no  discipline.  I 
could  fill  a  sheet  with  authentic  accounts  of  the  deplorable  state, 
not  only  of  his  immediate  command,  but  of  the  affairs  of  this  post 
while  he  was  commanding  officer,  so  far  as  he  had  the  management. 
One  fact  will  suffice  :  A  private,  whom  I  know,  and  believe  to  be  a 
man  of  truth,  told  me  that  at  one  time  there  was  not  an  officer  or 
non-commissioned  officer  of  his  company  on  duty ;  that  they  used 
up  their  rations,  and  were  obliged  to  send  a  private  to  the  colonel  to 
know  what  to  do ;  and  it  was  some  days,  and  with  great  difficulty, 
before  they  at  last  obtained  subsistence  !  *****  Efforts 
have  been  made  to  have  Colonel  Easton  appointed  governor  of  New 
Mexico.  Petitions  have  been  circulated,  and  signed  by  almost  all 
the  inhabitants  and  officers  of  the  various  regiments,  to  have  the  ap 
pointment  made ;  but  it  is  understood  that  he  does  not  like  to  be 
separated  from  his  command  ;  if  it  goes  south  he  wishes  to  go  with 
it.  I  am  inclined  to  think  nothing  will  be  done  here  until  Price  ar 
rives,  unless  an  outbreak  is  attempted.  The  force  now  here  is  more 
than  enough  to  hold  this  whole  country."  * 

After  remaining  for  some  time  at  Santa  Fe,  General  Kearny 
marched  against  the  province  of  California,  publishing  at  the  same 
time  a  proclamation  in  which  he  claimed  New  Mexico  for  the 
United  States,  and  exhorted  the  inhabitants  to  submit  peaceably  to 
the  new  government.  But  on  his  road  he  received  information 
that  the  intended  object  of  his  expedition  had  been  already  attained 
by  a  party  under  Colonel  Fremont.  He  accordingly  sent  back  the 
greater  part  of  his  force,  and  with  a  small  troop  hurried  on  to  join 
Colonel  Fremont. 

New  Mexico  had  been  awed  but  not  completely  subdued  ;  and 
soon  after  Kearny's  departure  the  inhabitants  rose  in  vindication 
of  their  old  government.  Disturbances  were  also  taking  place  in 
California,  and  several  bands  of  citizens  spread  themselves  over  the 
country  and  kept  up  the  spirit  of  opposition.  On  the  8th  of  De 
cember,  1846,  General  Kearny  encountered  one  of  these  under 
the  celebrated  Pico,  near  the  Indian  town  of  San  Pascual.  The 
following  is  his  own  account  of  this  affair : 


178  GENERAL  KEARNY. 

"  Having  learned  from  Captain  Gillespie,  of  the  volunteers,  that 
there  was  an  armed  party  of  Californians,  with  a  number  of  extra 
horses  at  San  Pascual,  three  leagues  distant,  on  a  road  leading  to 
this  place,  I  sent  Lieutenant  Hammond,  1st  dragoons,  with  a  few 
men  to  make  a  reconnoissance  of  them. 

"  He  returned  at  two  in  the  morning  of  the  6th  instant,  reporting 
that  he  had  found  the  party  in  the  place  mentioned,  and  that  he  had 
been- seen,  though  not  pursued  by  them.  I  then  determined  that  I 
would  march  for  and  attack  them  by  break  of  day.  Arrangements 
were  accordingly  made  for  the  purpose.  My  aid-de-camp,  Captain 
Johnson,  (dragoons,)  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  advance- 
guard  of  twelve  dragoons,  mounted  on  the  best  horses  we  had  ;  then 
followed  about  fifty  dragoons  under  Captain  Moore,  mounted,  with 
but  few  exceptions,  on  the  tired  mules  they  had  ridden  from  Santa 
Fe  (New  Mexico,  one  thousand  and  fifty  miles),  then  about  twenty 
volunteers  of  Captain  Gibson's  company,  under  his  command,  and 
that  of  Captain  Gillespie ;  then  followed  our  two  mounted  howitzers, 
with  dragoons  to  manage  them,  and  under  the  charge  of  Lieutenant 
Davidson,  of  the  regiment. 

"  The  remainder  of  the  dragoons,  volunteers,  and  citizens,  em 
ployed  by  the  officers  of  the  staff,  &c.,  were  placed  under  the  com 
mand  of  Major  Swords  (quartermaster),  with  orders  to  follow  on 
our  trail  with  the  baggage,  and  to  see  to  its  safety. 

"As  the  day  (December  6)  dawned,  we  approached  the  enemy 
at  San  Pascual,  who  were  already  in  the  saddle,  when  Captain 
Johnson  made  a  furious  charge  upon  them  with  his  advance-guard, 
and  was  in  a  short  time  after  supported  by  the  dragoons  ;  soon  after 
this  the  enemy  gave  way,  having  kept  up  from  the  beginning  a 
continued  fire  upon  us. 

"  Upon  the  retreat  of  the  enemy,  Captain  Moore  led  off  rapidly 
in  pursuit,  accompanied  by  the  dragoons  mounted  on  horses,  and 
was  followed,  though  slowly,  by  the  others  on  their  tired  mules ; 
the  enemy  well-mounted,  and  among  the  best  horsemen  in  the  world, 
after  retreating  about  half  a  mile,  and  seeing  an  interval  between 
Captain  Moore  with  his  advance,  and  the  dragoons  coming  to  his 
support,  rallied  their  whole  force,  charged  with  their  lances,  and,  on 
account  of  their  greatly  superior  numbers,  but  few  of  us  in  front 
remained  untouched ;  for  five  minutes  they  held  the  ground  from 
us,  when  our  men  coming  up,  we  again  drove  them,  and  they  fled 


BATTLE  OF  SAN  PASCUAL.  179 

from  the  field,  not  to  return  to  it,  which  we  occupied  and  encamped 
upon. 

"A  most  melancholy  duty  now  remains  for  me  :  — it  is  to  report 
the  death  of  my  aid-de-camp,  Captain  Johnson,  who  was  shot  dead 
at  the  commencement  of  the  action,  of  Captain  Moore,  who  was 
lanced  just  previous  to  the  final  retreat  of  the  enemy,  and  of  Lieute 
nant  Hammond,  also  lanced,  and  who  survived  but  a  few  hours. 
We  have  also  had  two  sergeants  killed,  two  corporals,  and  ten  privates 
of  the  1st  dragoons  ;  one  private  of  the  volunteers,  and  one  man,  an 
engage  in  the  topographical  department.  Among  the  wounded 
are  myself,-  (in  two  places,)  Lieutenant  Warner,  topographical  engi 
neers,  (in  three  places,)  Captains  Gillespie  and  Gibson  of  the  volun 
teers,  (the  former  in  three  places,)  one  sergeant,  one  bugleman,  and 
nine  privates  of  the  dragoons ;  many  of  these  surviving,  although 
having  from  two  to  ten  lance  wounds,  most  of  them  when  unhorsed 
and  incapable  of  resistance. 

"  Our  howitzers  were  not  brought  into  the  action  ;  but  coming  to 
the  front  at  the  close  of  it,  before  they  were  turned,  so  as  to  admit 
of  being  fired  upon  the  retreating  enemy,  the  two  mules  before  one 
of  them  got  alarmed,  and  freeing  themselves  from  their  drivers,  ran 
off,  and  among  the  enemy,  and  were  thus  lost  to  us. 

"  The  enemy  proved  to  be  a  party  of  about  one  hundred  and  sixty 
Californians  under  Andreas  Pico,  brother  of  the  late  governor ;  the 
number  of  their  dead  and  wounded  must  have  been  considerable, 
though  I  have  no  means  of  ascertaining  how  many,  as  just  previous 
to  their  final  retreat  they  carried  off  all  excepting  six. 

"  The  great  number  of  our  killed  and  wounded  proves  that  our 
officers  and  men  have  fully  sustained  the  high  character  and  repu 
tation  of  our  troops ;  and  the  victory  thus  gained  over  more  than 
double  our  force  may  assist  in  forming  the  wreath  of  our  national 
glory. 

"  I  have  to  return  my  thanks  to  many  for  their  gallantry  and  good 
conduct  on  the  field,  and  particularly  to  Captain  Turner,  1st  dra 
goons,  (assistant  acting  adjutant-general,)  and  to  Lieutenant  Emory, 
topographical  engineers,  who  were  active  in  the  performance  of  their 
duties,  and  in  conveying  orders  from  me  to  the  command. 

"  On  the  morning  of  the  7th,  having  made  ambulances  for  oui 
wounded,  and  interred  the  dead,  we  proceeded  on  our  march,  when 
the  enemy  showed  himself,  occupying  the  hills  in  our  front,  but 

W 


180  GENERAL   KEARNY. 

which  they  left  as  we  approached  ;  till  reaching  San  Bernado,  a 
party  of  them  took  possession  of  a  hill  near  to  it,  and  maintained 
their  position  until  attacked  by  our  advance,  who  quickly  drove 
them  from  it,  killing  and  wounding  five  of  their  number,  with  no 
loss  on  our  part. 

**  On  account  of  our  wounded  men,  and  upon  the  report  of  the 
surgeon  that  rest  was  necessary  for  them,  we  remained  at  this  place 
till  the  morning  of  the  llth,  when  Lieutenant  Gray,  of  the  navy,  in 
command  of  a  party  of  sailors  and  marines,  sent  out  from  San  Diego 
by  Commodore  Stockton,  joined  us.  We  proceeded  at  10,  A.  M., 
the  enemy  no  longer  showing  himself;  and  on  the  12th  (yesterday) 
we  reached  this  place  ;  and  I  have  now  to  offer  my  thanks  to  Com 
modore  Stockton,  and  all  of  his  gallant  command,  for  the  very  many 
kind  attentions  we  have  received  and  continue  to  receive  from 
them." 

After  this  battle,  General  Kearny  continued  his  march,  severely 
harassed  by  scouting  parties  of  the  enemy,  until  the  8th  of  January, 
1847,  when  he  came  up  with  their  main  army  at'  Puebla  de  los 
Angelos.  Here,  in  company  with  Commodore  Stockton,  he  fought 
a  desultory  battle,  which  lasted  two  days,  and  terminated  in  the  over 
throw  of  the  Mexicans.  The  American  loss  was  one  killed  and 
thirteen  wounded  ;  that  of  the  enemy  rather  more.  Kearny  then 
took  possession  of  the  city  without  further  molestation. 

The  operations  attending  this  battle  have  unfortunately  become  a 
matter  of  serious  misunderstanding  between  General  Kearny,  Com 
modore  Stockton,  and  Colonel  Fremont.  The  commission  of  the 
former  as  governor  of  California,  was  given  by  the  President  and 
signed  with  his  signature.  To  this  Stockton  objected,  on  the  plea 
that  the  province  had  been  captured  and  placed  under  military  gov 
ernment  prior  to  the  date  of  the  general's  authority.  To  this  Colo 
nel  Fremont  agreed,  and  refused  to  obey  the  orders  of  Kearny.  At 
that  time  the  general's  force  was  so  small  that  he  was  obliged  to 
yield  to  circumstances  ;  but  on  receiving  reinforcements,  he  entered 
upon  full  command,  and  seizing  Colonel  Fremont,  sent  him  under 
arrest  to  the  United  States.  His  trial  for  disobedience  of  orders  is 
utill  going  on,  and  elicits  considerable  public  attention. 


oOLONEL  DONIPHAN. 


THE  expedition  of  Colonel  Doniphan  is  one  of  the  most  remark 
able  in  all  history.  Like  those  of  Kearny  and  Scott,  it  will  form  an 
example  to  the  world  of  the  almost  superhuman  exertions  of  which 
our  soldiery,  both  regular  and  volunteer,  are  capable.  The  Honour 
able  Thomas  Benton  gave  the  subjoined  vivid  description  of  it  in  an 
address  to  the  colonel's  command  on  its  return  home : — 

"  Your  march  and  exploits  have  been  among  the  most  wonderful 
of  the  age.  At  the  call  of  your  country  you  marched  a  thousand 
miles  to  the  conquest  of  New  Mexico,  as  part  of  the  force  under 
General  Kearny,  and  achieved  that  conquest  without  the  loss  of  a 
man  or  the  fire  of  a  gun.  That  work  finished,  and  New  Mexico, 
itself  so  distant,  and  so  lately  the  Ultima  Thule — the  outside  boun 
dary  of  speculation  and  enterprise  —  so  lately  a  distant  point  to  be 
attained,  becomes  itself  a  point  of  departure  —  a  beginning  point  for 
new  and  far  more  extended  expeditions.  You  look  across  the  long 
and  lofty  chain  —  the  Cordilleras  of  North  America — which  divide 
the  Atlantic  from  the  Pacific  waters ;  and  you  see  beyond  that  ridge 
a  savage  tribe  which  had  been  long  in  the  habit  of  depredating  upon 
the  province  which  had  just  become  an  American  conquest.  You, 
a  part  only  of  the  subsequent  Chihuahua  column,  under  Jackson 
and  Gilpin,  march  upon  them — bring  them  to  terms — and  they  sign 
a  treaty  with  Colonel  Doniphan,  in  which  they  bind  themselves  to 
cease  their  depredations  on  the  Mexicans,  and  to  become  the  friends 
of  the  United  States.  A  novel  treaty  that !  signed  on  the  western 
confines  of  New  Mexico,  between  parties  who  had  hardly  ever  heard 
each  other's  names  before,  and  to  give  peace  and  protection  to  Mexi 
cans  who  were  hostile  to  both.  This  was  the  meeting  and  this  the 
parting  of  the  Missouri  volunteers,  with  the  numerous  and  savage 
tribe  of  the  Navaho  Indians,  living  on  the  waters  of  the  gulf  of  Call- 
16  (181) 


182  COLONEL   DONIPHAN. 

fornia,  and  so  long  the  terror  and  scourge  of  Sonora,  Sinaloa,  and 
New  Mexico, 

"  This  object  accomplished,  and  impatient  of  inactivity,  and  with 
out  orders,  (General  Kearny  having  departed  for  California,)  you 
cast  about  to  carve  out  some  new  work  for  yourselves.  Chihuahua, 
a  rich  and  populous  city  of  nearly  thirty  thousand  souls,  the  seat  of 
government  of  the  state  of  that  name,  and  formerly  the  residence  of 
the  captains  general  of  the  Internal  Provinces  under  the  vice-regal 
government  of  New  Spain,  was  the  captivating  object  which  fixed 
your  attention.  It  was  a  far  distant  city — about  as  far  from  St.  Louis 
as  Moscow  is  from  Paris  ;  and  towns,  and  enemies,  and  a  large  river, 
and  defiles,  and  mountains,  and  the  desert  whose  ominous  name  por 
tends  death  to  travellers — el  Jornada  de  los  muertos — the  journey 
of  the  dead — all  lay  between  you.  It  was  a  perilous  enterprise,  and 
a  discouraging  one  for  a  thousand  men,  badly  equipped,  to  contem 
plate.  No  matter.  Danger  and  hardship  lent  it  a  charm,  and  the 
adventurous  march  was  resolved  on,  and  the  execution  commenced. 
First,  the  ominous  desert  was  passed,  its  character  vindicating  its 
title  to  its  mournful  appellation  —  an  arid  plain  of  ninety  miles, 
strewed  with  the  bones  of  animals  that  had  perished  of  hunger  and 
thirst — little  hillocks  of  stone,  and  the  solitary  cross,  erected  by  pious 
hands,  marking  the  spot  where  some  Christian  had  fallen  victim  of 
the  savage,  of  the  robber,  or  of  the  desert  itself — no  water — no  ani 
mal  life — no  sign  of  habitation.  There  the  Texan  prisoners,  driven 
by  the  cruel  Salazar,  had  met  their  direst  sufferings,  unrelieved,  as 
in  other  parts  of  the  country,  by  the  compassionate  ministrations  (for 
where  is  it  that  woman  is  not  compassionate?)  of  the  pitying  women. 
The  desert  was  passed,  and  the  place  for  crossing  the  river  approach 
ed.  A  little  arm  of  the  river  Bracito  (in  Spanish),  made  out  from 
its  side.  There  the  enemy,  in  superior  numbers,  and  confident  in 
cavalry  and  artillery,  undertook  to  bar  the  way.  Vain  pretension  ! 
Their  discovery,  attack,  and  rout,  were  about  simultaneous  opera 
tions.  A  few  minutes  did  the  work !  And  in  this  way  our  Missouri 
volunteers  of  the  Chihuahua  column,  spent  their  Christmas  day  of 
the  year  1846. 

"  The  victory  of  Bracito  opened  the  way  to  the  crossing  of  the 
river  Del  Norte,  and  to  admission  into  the  beautiful  little  town  of 
the  Paso  del  Norte,  where  a  neat  cultivation,  a  comfortable  people, 
fields,  orchards  and  vineyards,  and  a  hospitable  reception,  offered 


DONIPHAN'S    REMARKABLE   EXPEDITION.  183 

the  rest  and  refreshment  which  toils  and  dangers  and  victory  had 
won.  You  rested  there  till  artillery  was  brought  down  from  Santa 
Fe ;  but  the  pretty  town  of  the  Paso  del  Norte,  with  all  its  enjoy 
ments,  and  they  were  many,  and  the  greater  for  the  place  in  which 
they  were  found,  was  not  a  Capua  to  the  men  of  Missouri.  You 
moved  forward  in  February,  and  the  battle  of  the  Sacramento,  one 
of  the  military  marvels  of  the  age,  cleared  the  route  to  Chihuahua, 
which  was  entered  without  further  resistance.  It  had  been  entered 
once  before  by  a  detachment  of  American  troops  ;  but  under  circum 
stances  how  different !  In  the  year  1807,  Lieutenant  Pike  and  his 
thirty  brave  men,  taken  prisoners  on  the  head  of  the  Rio  del  Norte, 
had  been  marched  captives  into  Chihuahua:  in  the  year  1847, 
Doniphan  and  his  men  entered  it  as  conquerors.  The  paltry  triumph 
of  a  captain-general  over  a  lieutenant,  was  effaced  in  the  triumphal 
entrance  of  a  thousand  Missourians  into  the  grand  and  ancient  capi 
tal  of  all  the  Internal  Provinces .'  and  old  men,  still  alive,  could 
remark  the  grandeur  of  the  American  spirit  under  both  events — the 
proud  and  lofty  bearing  of  the  captive  thirty — the  mildness  and  mo 
deration  of  the  conquering  thousand. 

"Chihuahua  was  taken,  and  responsible  duties,  more  delicate 
than  those  of  arms,  were  to  be  performed.  Many  American  citizens 
were  there,  engaged  in  trade ;  much  American  property  was  there. 
All  this  was  to  be  protected,  both  lives  and  property,  and  by  peace 
ful  arrangement ;  for  the  command  was  too  small  to  admit  of  divi 
sion,  and  of  leaving  a  garrison.  Conciliation  and  negotiation  were 
resorted  to,  and  successfully.  Every  American  interest  was  provided 
for,  and  placed  under  the  safeguard,  first,  of  good  will,  and  next, 
of  guaranties  not  to  be  violated  with  impunity. 

"Chihuahua  gained,  it  became,  like  Santa  Fe,  not  the  terminating 
point  of  a  long  expedition,  but  the  beginning  point  of  a  new  one. 
General  Taylor  was  somewhere — no  one  knew  exactly  where — but 
some  seven  or  eight  hundred  miles  towards  the  other  side  of  Mexico. 
You  had  heard  that  he  had  been  defeated  —  that  Buena  Vista  had 
not  been  a  good  prospect  to  hinu  Like  good  Americans,  you  did 
not  believe  a  word  of  it ;  but,  like  good  soldiers,  you  thought  it  best 
to  go  and  see.  A  volunteer  party  of  fourteen,  headed  by  Collins, 
of  Boonville,  undertook  to  penetrate  to  Saltiilo,  and  bring  you  infor 
mation  of  his  condition.  They  set  out.  Amidst  innumerable  dangers 
they  accomplish  their  purpose,  and  return.  You  march.  A  van- 


184  COLONEL   DONIPIIAN. 

guard  of  one  hundred  men,  led  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Mitchell,  led 
the  way.  Then  came  the  main  body,  (if  the  name  is  not  a  burlesque 
on  such  a  handful,)  commanded  by  Colonel  Doniphan  himself. 

"  The  whole  table-land  of  Mexico,  in  all  its  breadth,  from  west  to 
east,  was  to  be  traversed.  A  numerous  and  hostile  population  in 
towns — treacherous  Camanches  in  the  mountains — were  to  be  pass 
ed.  Every  thing  was  to  be  self-provided — provisions,  transportation, 
fresh  horses  for  remounts,  and  even  the  means  of  victory  —  and  all 
without  a  military  chest,  or  even  an  empty  box,  in  which  govern 
ment  gold  had  ever  reposed.  All  was  accomplished.  Mexican 
towns  were  passed,  in  order  and  quiet;  plundering  Camanches 
were  punished ;  means  were  obtained  from  traders  to  liquidate  in 
dispensable  contributions ;  and  the  wants  that  could  not  be  supplied 
were  endured  like  soldiers  of  veteran  service. 

"  I  say  the  Camanches  were  punished.  And  here  presents  itself 
an  episode  of  a  novel,  extraordinary,  and  romantic  kind — Americans 
chastising  savages  for  plundering  people  who  they  themselves  came 
to  conquer,  and  forcing  the  restitution  of  captives  and  of  plundered 
property.  A  strange  story  this  to  tell  in  Europe,  where  backwoods 
character,  western  character,  is  not  yet  completely  known.  But  to 
the  facts.  In  the  muskeet  forest  of  the  Bolson  de  Mapimi,  and  in 
the  sierras  around  the  beautiful  town  and  fertile  .district  of  Parras, 
and  in  all  the  open  country  for  hundreds  of  miles  round  about,  the 
savage  Camanches  have  held  dominion  ever  since  the  usurper  Santa 
Anna  disarmed  the  people,  and  sally  forth  from  their  fastnesses  to 
slaughter  men,  plunder  cattle,  and  carry  off  women  and  children. 
Ah  exploit  of  this  kind  had  just  been  performed  on  the  line  of  the 
Missourians'  march,  not  far  from  Parras,  and  an  advanced  party 
chanced  to  be  in  that  town  at  the  time  the  news  of  the  depredation 
arrived  there.  It  was  only  fifteen  strong.  Moved  by  gratitude  for 
the  kind  attentions  of  the  people,  especially  the  women,  to  the  sick 
of  General  Wool's  command,  necessarily  left  in  Parras,  and  unwil 
ling  to  be  outdone  by  enemies  in  generosity,  the  heroic  fifteen,  upon 
the  spot,  volunteered  to  go  back,  hunt  out  the  depredators,  and 
punish  them,  without  regard  to  numbers.  A  grateful  Mexican  be 
came  their  guide.  On  their  way  they  fell  in  with  fifteen  more  of 
their  comrades ;  and,  in  a  short  time,  seventeen  Camanches  killed 
out  of  sixty-five,  eighteen  captives  restored  to  their  families,  and 


DONIPHAN'S  REMARKABLE  EXPEDITION.        185 

three  hundred  and  fifty  head  of  cattle  recovered  for  their  owners, 
was  the  fruit  of  this  sudden  and  romantic  episode. 

"  Such  noble  conduct  was  not  without  its  effect  on  the  minds  of 
the  astonished  Mexicans.  An  official  document  from  the  prefect  of 
the  place  to  Captain  Reid,  leader  of  this  detachment,  attests  the 
verity  of  the  fact,  and  the  gratitude  of  the  Mexicans  ;  and  constitutes 
a  trophy  of  a  new  kind  in  the  annals  of  war.  Here  it  is  in  the 
original  Spanish,  and  I  will  read  it  off  in  English. 

"It  is  officially  dated  from  the  Prefecture  of  the  Department  of 
Parras,  signed  by  the  prefect,  Jose  Ignacio  Arrabe,  and  addressed 
to  Captain  Reid,  the  18th  of  May,  and  says  : 

"  *  At  the  first  notice  that  the  barbarians,  after  killing  many,  and 
taking  captives,  were  returning  to  their  haunts,  you  generously  and 
bravely  offered,  with  fifteen  of  your  subordinates,  to  fight  them  on 
their  crossing  by  the  Paso,  executing  this  enterprise  with  celerity, 
address,  and  bravery,  worthy  of  all  eulogy,  and  worthy  of  the  bril 
liant  issue  which  all  celebrate.  You  recovered  many  animals  and 
much  plundered  property,  and  eighteen  captives  were  restored  to 
liberty  and  to  social  enjoyments,  their. souls  overflowing  with  a  lively 
sentiment  of  joy  and  gratitude,  which  all  the  inhabitants  of  this  town 
equally  breathe,  in  favour  of  their  generous  deliverers  and  their  va 
liant  chief.  The  half  of  the  Indians  killed  in  the  combat,  and  those 
which  fly  wounded,  do  not  calm  the  pain  which  all  feel  for  the  wound 
which  your  excellency  received  defending  Christians  and  civilized 
beings  against  the  rage  and  brutality  of  savages.  All  desire  the 
speedy  re-establishment  of  your  health  ;  and  although  they  know- 
that  in  your  own  noble  soul  will  be  found  the  best  reward  of  your 
conduct,  they  desire  also  to  address  you  the  expression  of  their  gra 
titude  and  high  esteem.  I  am  honoured  in  being  the  organ  of  the 
public  sentiment;  and  pray  you  to  accept  it,  with  the  assurance  of 
my  most  distinguished  esteem. 

"  '  God  and  Liberty  !' 

"  This  is  a  trophy  of  a  new  kind  in  war,  won  by  thirty  Missou- 
rians,  and  worthy  to  be  held  up  to  the  admiration  of  Christendom. 

"  The  long  march  from  Chihuahua  to  Monterey  was  made  more 
in  the  character  of  protection  and  deliverance  than  of  conquest  and 
invasion.  Armed  enemies  were  not  met,  and  peaceful  people  were 
not  disturbed.  You  arrived  in  the  month  of  May  in  General  Tay 
lor's  camp,  and  about  in  a  condition  to  vindicate,  each  of  you  for 
16* 


186  COLONEL    DONIPHAN. 

himself,  your  lawful  title  to  the  double  sobriquet  of  the  general, 
with  the  addition  to  it  which  the  colonel  of  the  expedition  has  sup 
plied —  ragged  —  as  well  as  rough  and  ready.  No  doubt  you  all 
showed  title,  at  that  time,  to  that  third  sobriquet ;  but  to  see  you 
now,  so  gayly  attired,  so  sprucely  equipped,  one  might  suppose  that 
you  had  never,  for  an  instant,  been  a  stranger  to  the  virtues  of  soap 
and  water,  or  the  magic  ministrations  of  the  blanchisseuse,  and  the 
elegant  transformations  of  the  fashionable  tailor.  Thanks,  perhaps, 
to  the  difference  between  pay  in  the  lump  at  the  end  of  service,  and 
driblets  in  the  course  of  it. 

"  You  arrived  in  General  Taylor's  camp  ragged  and  rough,  as 
we  can  well  conceive,  and  ready,  as  I  can  quickly  show.  You  re 
ported  for  duty!  you  asked  for  service  !  —  such  as  a  march  upon 
San  Luis  de  Potosi,  Zacatecas,  or  the  'halls  of  the  Montezumas,'  or 
any  thing  in  that  way  that  the  general  should  have  a  mind  to.  If 
he  was  going  upon  any  excursion  of  that  kind,  all  right.  No  matter 
about  fatigues  that  were  passed,  or  expirations  of  service  that  might 
accrue ;  you  came  to  go,  and  only  asked  the  privilege. 

"  That  is  what  I  call  ready.  Unhappily  the  conqueror  of  Palo 
Alto,  Resaca  de  la  Palma,  Monterey,  and  Buena  Vista,  was  not  in 
exactly  the  condition  that  the  lieutenant-general,  that  might  have 
been,  intended  him  to  be.  He  was  not  at  the  head  of  twenty  thou 
sand  men !  he  was  not  at  the  head  of  any  thousands  that  would 
enable  him  to  march !  and  had  to  decline  the  proffered  service. 
Thus  the  long-marched  and  well-fought  volunteers — the  rough,  the 
ready,  and  the  ragged,  had  to  turn  their  faces  towards  home,  still 
more  than  two  thousand  miles  distant.  But  this  being  mostly  by 
water,  you  hardly  count  it  in  the  recital  of  your  march.  But  this 
is  an  unjust  omission,  and  against  the  precedents  as  well  as  unjust. 
*  The  Ten  Thousand'  counted  the  voyage  on  the  Black  Sea  as  well 
as  the  march  from  Babylon  ;  and  twenty  centuries  admit  the  validity 
of  the  count.  The  present  age,  and  posterity,  will  include  in  « the 
going  out  and  coming  in'  of  the  Missouri  Chihuahua  volunteers,  the 
water  voyage  as  well  as  the  land  march ;  and  then  the  expedition 
of  the  One  Thousand  will  exceed  that  of  the  Ten  by  some  two 
thousand  miles. 

"The  last  nine  hundred  miles  of  your  land  march,  from  Chihua 
hua  to  Matamoras,  you  made  in  forty-five  days,  bringing  seventeen 
pieces  of  artillery,  eleven  of  which  were  taken  from  the  Sacramento 


BATTLE    OF    SACRAMENTO.  187 

and  Bracito.  Your  horses,  travelling  the  whole  distance  without 
United  States'  provender,  were  astonished  to  find  themselves  regaled 
on  their  arrival  on  the  Rio  Grande  frontier,  with  hay,  corn,  and  oats 
from  the  States.  You  marched  further  than  the  farthest,  fought  as 
well  as  the  best,  left  order  and  quiet  in  your  train,  and  cost  less  mo 
ney  than  any. 

"  You  arrive  here  to-day,  absent  one  year,  marching  and  fighting 
all  the  time,  bringing  trophies  of  cannon  and  standards  from  fields 
whose  »ames  were  unknown  to  you  before  you  set  out,  and  only 
grieving  that  you  could  not  have  gone  further.  Ten  pieces  of  can 
non,  rolled  out  of  Chihuahua  to  arrest  your  march,  now  roll  through 
the  streets  of  St.  Louis,  to  grace  your  triumphal  return.  Many 
standards,  all  pierced  with  bullets,  while  waving  over  the  heads  of 
the  enemy  at  the  Sacramento,  now  wave  at  the  head  of  your  column. 
The  black  flag,  brought  to  the  Bracito,  to  indicate  the  refusal  of  that 
quarter  which  its  bearers  so  soon  needed  and  received,  now  takes 
its  place  among  your  trophies,  and  hangs  drooping  in  their  nobler 
presence.  To  crown  the  whole— to  make  public  and  private  hap 
piness  go  together — to  spare  the  cypress  where  the  laurel  hangs  in 
clusters — this  long  and  perilous  march,  with  all  its  accidents  of  field 
and  camp,  presents  an  incredibly  small  list  of  comrades  lost.  Al 
most  all  return  !  and  the  joy  of  families  resounds,  intermingled  with 
the  applauses  of  the  State." 

The  following  is  the  colonel's  account  of  the  great  battle  of  Sacra 
mento  : — 

"  On  the  evening  of  the  8th  of  February,  1847,  we  left  the  town 
of  El  Paso  del  Norte,  escorting  the  merchant  train  or  caravan  of- 
about  three  hundred  and  fifteen  wagons  for  the  city  of  Chihuahua. 
Our  force  consisted  of  nine  hundred  and  twenty-four  effective  men ; 
one  hundred  and  seventeen  officers  and  privates  of  the  artillery ; 
ninety-three  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Mitchell's  escort,  and  the  re 
mainder  the  first  regiment  Missouri  mounted  riflemen.  We  pro 
gressed  in  the  direction' of  this  place  until  the  25th,  when  we  were 
informed  by  our  spies  that  the  enemy,  to  the  number  of  fifteen 
hundred  men,  were  at  Inseneas,  the  country-seat  of  Governor  Trias, 
about  twenty-five  miles  in  advance. 

"When  we  arrived,  on  the  evening  of  the  26th,  near  that  point, 
we  found  that  the  force  had  retreated  in  the  direction  of  this  city. 
On  the  evening  of  the  27th  we  arrived  at  Sans,  and  learned  from 

W* 


188  COLONEL    DONIPHAN. 

our  spies  that  the  enemy,  in  great  force,  had  fortified  the  pass  of  the 
Sacramento  river,  about  fifteen  miles  in  advance,  and  about  the 
same  distance  from  this  city.  We  were  also  informed  that  there 
was  no  water  between  the  point  we  were  at  and  that  occupied  by 
the  enemy;  we  therefore  determined  to  halt  until  morning.  At 
sunrise  on  the  28th,  the  last  day  of  February,  we  took  up  the  line 
of  march  and  formed  the  whole  train,  consisting  of  three  hundred 
and  fifteen  heavy  traders'  wagons  and  our  commissary  and  company 
wagons,  into  four  columns,  thus  shortening  our  line  so  as  to  make  it 
more  easily  protected. 

"  We  placed  the  artillery  and  all  the  command,  except  two  hun 
dred  cavalry  proper,  in  the  intervals  between  the  columns  of  wagons. 
We  thus  fully  concealed  our  force  and  its  position  by  masking  our 
force  with  the  cavalry.  When  we  arrived  within  three  miles  of  the 
enemy,  we  made  a  reconnoissance  of  his  position  and  the  arrange 
ment  of  his  forces.  This  we  could  easily  do  — the  road  leading 
through  an  open  prairie  valley  between  the  sterile  mountains. 
The  Pass  of  the  Sacramento  is  formed  by  a  point  of  the  mountains 
on  our  right,  their  left  extending  into  the  valley  or  plain  so  as  to 
narrow  the  valley  to  about  one  and  a  half  miles.  On  our  left  was 
a  deep,  dry,  sandy  channel  of  a  creek,  and  between  these  points  the 
plain  rises  to  sixty  feet  abruptly.  This  rise  is  in  the  form  of  a 
crescent,  the  convex  part  being  to  the  north  of  our  forces. 

"  On  the  right,  from  the  point  of  mountains,  a  narrow  part  of  the 
plain  extends  north  one  and  a  half  miles  farther  than  on  the  left. 
The  main  road  passes  down  the  centre  of  the  valley  and  across  the 
crescent,  near  the  left  or  dry  branch.  The  Sacramento  rises  in  the 
mountains  on  the  right,  and  the  road  falls  on  to  it  about  one  mile 
below  the  battle-field  or  entrenchment  of  the  enemy.  We  ascer 
tained  that  the  enemy  had  one  battery  of  four  guns,  two  nine  and  two 
six-pounders,  on  the  point  of  the  mountain  on  our  right,  (their  left,) 
at  a  good  elevation  to  sweep  the  plain,  and  at  the  point  where  the 
mountains  extended  farthest  into  the  plain. 

"  On  our  left  (their  right)  they  had  another  battery  on  an  eleva 
tion  commanding  the  road,  and  three  entrenchments  of  two  six- 
pounders,  and  on  the  brow  of  the  crescent  near  the  centre  another 
of  two  six  and  two  four  and  six  culverins,  or  rampart  pieces,  mounted 
on  carriages ;  and  on  the  crest  of  the  hill  or  ascent  between  the 
batteries,  and  the  right  and  left,  they  had  twenty-seven  redoubts  dug 


BATTLE   OF   SACRAMENTO.  189 

and  thrown  up,  extending  at  short  intervals  across  the  whole  ground. 
In  these  their  infantry  were  placed,  and  were  entirely  protected. 
Their  cavalry  was  drawn  up  in  front  of  the  redoubts  in  the  intervals 
four  deep,  and  in  front  of  the  redoubts  two  deep,  so  as  to  mask  them 
as  far  as  practicable. 

"  When  we  had  arrived  within  one  and  a  half  miles  of  the  en 
trenchments  along  the  main  road,  we  advanced  the  cavalry  still 
farther,  and  suddenly  diverged  with  the  columns  to  the  right,  so  as 
to  gain  the  narrow  part  of  the  ascent  on  our  right,  which  the  enemy 
discovering  endeavoured  to  prevent  by  moving  forward  with  one 
thousand  cavalry  and  four  pieces  of  cannon  in  their  rear,  masked  by 
them.  Our  movements  were  so  rapid  that  we  gained  the  elevation 
with  our  forces  and  the  advance  of  our  wagons  in  time  to  form  be 
fore  they  arrived  within  reach  of  our  guns.  The  enemy  halted, 
and  we  advanced  the  head  of  our  column  within  twelve  hundred 
yards  of  them,  so  as  to  let  our  wagons  attain  the  high  lands  and 
form  as  before. 

"  We  now  commenced  the  action  by  a  brisk  fire  from  our  battery, 
and  the  enemy  unmasked  and  commenced  also ;  our  fires  proved 
effective  at  this  distance,  killing  fifteen  men,  wounding  several  more, 
and  disabling  one  of  the  enemy's  guns.  We  had  two  men  slightly 
wounded,  and  several  horses  and  mules  killed.  The  enemy  then 
slowly  retreated  behind  their  works  in  some  confusion,  and  we  re 
sumed  our  march  in  the  former  order,  still  diverging  more  to  the 
right  to  avoid  their  battery  on  our  left,  (their  right,)  and  their  strongest 
redoubts,  which  were  on  the  left  near  where  the  road  passes.  After 
marching  as  far  as  we  safely  could,  without  coming  within  range  of 
their  heavy  battery  on  our  right,  Captain  Weightman,  of  the  artil 
lery,  was  ordered  to  charge  with  the  two  twelve-pound  howitzers, 
to  be  supported  by  the  cavalry  under  Captains  Reid,  Parsons  and 
Hudson. 

"  The  howitzers  charged  at  speed,  and  were  gallantly  sustained 
by  Captain  Reid ;  but,  by  some  misunderstanding,  my  order  was 
not  given  to  the  other  two  companies.  Captain  Hudson,  anticipat 
ing  my  order,  charged  in  time  to  give  ample  support  to  the  howit 
zers.  Captain  Parsons,  at  the  same  moment,  came  to  me  and  asked 
permission  for  his  company  to  charge  the  redoubts  immediately  to 
the  left  of  Captain  Weightman,  which  he  did  very  gallantly.  The 
remainder  of  the  two  battalions  of  the  1st  regiment  were  dismount- 


J  DO  COLONEL    DONIPHAN. 

fed  during  the  cavalry  charge,  and  following  rapidly  on  foot,  while 
Major  Clarke  advanced  as  fast  as  practicable  with  the  remainder  of 
the  battery,  we  charged  their  redoubts  from  right  to  left,  with  a  brisk 
and  deadly  fire  of  riflemen,  while  Major  Clarke  opened  a  rapid  and 
well-directed  fire  on  a  column  of  cavalry  attempting  to  pass  to  our 
left  so  as  to  attack  the  wagons  and  our  rear. 

"The  fire  was  so  well  directed  as  to  force  them  to  fall  back ;  and 
cur  riflemen,  with  the  cavalry  and  howitzers,  cleared  the  parapets 
after  an  obstinate  resistance.  Our  forces  advanced  to  the  very 
brink  of  their  redoubts  and  attacked  the  enemy  with  their  sabres. 
When  the  redoubts  were  cleared,  and  the  batteries  in  the  centre 
and  on  our  left  were  silenced,  the  main  battery  on  our  right  still 
continued  to  pour  in  a  constant  and  heavy  fire,  as  it  had  done 
during  the  heat  of  the  engagement ;  but  as  the  whole  fate  of  the 
battle  depended  upon  carrying  the  redoubts  and  centre  battery,  this 
one  on  the  right  remained  unattacked,  and  the  enemy  had  rallied 
there  five  hundred  strong.— 

"  Major  Clarke  was  directed  to  commence  a  heavy  fire  upon  it. 
Lieutenant-Colonels  Mitchell  and  Jackson,  commanding  the  1st  bat 
talion,  were  ordered  to  remount  and  charge  the  battery  on  the  left, 
while  Major  Gilpin  passed  the  2d  battalion  on  foot  up  the  rough 
ascent  of  the  mountain  on  the  opposite  side.  The  fire  of  our  battery 
was  so  effective  as  to  completely  silence  theirs,  and  the  rapid  advance 
of  our  column  put  them  to  flight  over  the  mountains  in  great  confusion. 

"  Thus  ended  the  battle  of  Sacramento.  The  force  of  the  enemy 
was  twelve  hundred  cavalry,  from  Durango  and  Chihuahua,  with 
the  Vera Cruz  dragoons  ;  twelve  hundred  infantry  from  Chihuahua; 
three  hundred  artillerists,  and  fourteen  hundred  and  twenty  ranche- 
ros,  badly  armed  with  lassoes,  lances,  and  machetoes,  or  corn  knives  ; 
ten  pieces  of  artillery,  two  nine,  two  eight,  four  six,  and  two  four- 
pounders,  and  six  culverins,  or  rampart  pieces. 

"  Their  forces  were  commanded  by  Major-General  Hendea,  gene 
ral  of  Durango,  Chihuahua,  Sonora,  and  New  Mexico;  Brigadier- 
General  Jastimani,  Brigadier:General  Garcia  Conde,  formerly  Mi 
nister  of  War  for  the  Republic  of  Mexico,  who  is  a  scientific  man, 
and  planned  this  whole  field  of  defence ;  General  Uguerte  and  Go 
vernor  Tria,  who  acted  as  brigadier-general  on  the  field,  and  colonels 
and  other  officers  without  number. 

"  Our  force  was  nine  hundred  and  twenty-four  effective  men ;  at 


CAPTURE    OF    CHIHUAHUA.  191 

least  one  hundred  of  whom  were  engaged  in  holding  horses  and 
driving  teams. 

"  The  loss  of  the  enemy  was  his  entire  artillery,  ten  wagons, 
masses  of  beans  and  pinola,  and  other  Mexican  provisions,  about 
three  hundred  killed  and  about  the  same  number  wounded,  many 
of  whom  have  since  died,  and  forty  prisoners. 

"  The  field  was  literally  covered  with  the  dead  and  wounded  from 
our  artillery  and  the  unerring  fire  of  our  riflemen.  Night  put  a 
stop  to  the  carnage,  the  battle  having  commenced  about  three  o'clock. 
Our  loss  was  one  killed,  one  mortally  wounded,  and  seven  so  wound 
ed  as  to  recover  without  any  loss  of  limbs.  I  cannot  speak  too 
highly  of  the  coolness,  gallantry  and  bravery  of  the  officers  and 
men  under  my  command. 

"I  was  ably  sustained  by  field  officers  Lieutenant-Colonels 
Mitchell  and  Jackson  of  the  1st  battalion,  and  Major  Gilpin  of  the 
2d  battalion ;  and  Major  Clarke  and  his  artillery  acted  nobly,  and 
did  the  most  effective  service  in  every  part  of  the  field.  It  is  abun 
dantly  shown,  in  the  charge  made  by  Captain  Weightman,  with  the 
section  of  howitzers,  that  they  can  be  used  in  any  charge  of  cavalry 
with  great  effect.  Much  has  been  said,  and  justly  said,  of  the  gal 
lantry  of  our  artillery,  unlimbering  within  two  hundred  and  fifty 
yards  of  the  enemy  at  Palo  Alto ;  but  how  much  more  daring  was 
the  charge  of  Captain  Weightman,  when  he  unlimbered  within  fifty 
yards  of  the  redoubts  of  the  enemy. 

"  On  the  first  day  of  March  we  took  formal  possession  of  the 
capital  of  Chihuahua  in  the  name  of  our  government.  We  were 
ordered  by  General  Kearny  to  report  to  General  Wool  at  this  place  ; 
since  our  arrival,  we  hear  that  he  is  at  Saltillo,  surrounded  by  the 
enemy.  Our  present  purpose  is  either  to  force  our  way  to  him,  or 
return  by  Bexar,  as  our  term  of  service  expires  on  the  last  day  of 
May  next." 

We  annex  a  vivid  description,  by  Edwin  Bryant,  Esq.,  of  the 
desert  through  which  Doniphan  led  his  troops.  A  perusal  of  it 
will  increase  our  astonishment  at  his  remarkable  expedition. 

"  Monday,  August  3. — I  rose  from  my  bivouack  this  morning  al 
half-past  one  o'clock.  The  moon,  appearing  like  a  ball  of  fire,  and 
shining  with  a  dim  and  baleful  light,  seemed  struggling  downwards 
through  the  thick  bank  of  smoky  vapour  that  overhung  and  cur 
tained  the  high  ridge  of  mountains  to  the  west  of  us.  This  ridge, 


192  COLONEL   DONIPHAN. 

stretching  as  far  to  the  north  and  the  south  as  the  eye  can  reach, 
forms  the  western  wall  (if  I  may  so  call  it)  of  the  desert  valley  we 
had  crossed  yesterday,  and  is  composed  of  rugged,  barren  peaks  of 
dark  basaltic  rock,  sometimes  exhibiting  misshapen  outlines,  at 
others  towering  upwards,  and  displaying  a  variety  of  architectural 
forms,  representing  domes,  spires,  and  turreted  fortifications. 

"  Our  encampment  was  on  the  slope  of  the  mountain,  and  the 
valley  lay  spread  out  at  our  feet,  illumined  sufficiently  by  the  red 
glare  of  the  moon,  and  the  more  pallid  effulgence  of  the  stars,  to 
display  imperfectly  its  broken  and  frightful  barrenness  and  its  solemn 
desolation.  No  life,  except  in  the  little  oasis  occupied  by  our  camp 
and  dampened  by  the  sluggish  spring,  by  excavating  which  with 
our  hands  we  had  obtained  impure  water  sufficient  to  quench  our 
own  and  our  animals'  thirst,  existed  as  far  as  the  eye  could  penetrate 
over  mountain  and  plain.  There  was  no  voice  of  animal,  no  hum 
of  insect,  disturbing  the  tomb-like  solemnity.  All  was  silence  and 
dearth.  The  atmosphere,  chili  and  frosty,  seemed  to  sympathize 
with  this  sepulchral  stillness.  No  wailing  or  whispering  sounds 
sighed  through  the  chasms  of  the  mountains,  or  over  the  gulfy  and 
waterless  ravines  of  the  valley ;  no  rustling  zephyr  swept  over  the 
scant  dead  grass,  or  disturbed  the  crumbling  leaves  of  the  gnarled 
and  stunted  cedars,  which  seemed  to  draw  a  precarious  existence 
from  the  small  patch  of  damp  earth  surrounding  us.  Like  the  other 
elements  sustaining  animal  and  vegetable  life,  the  winds  seemed 
stagnant  and  paralyzed  by  the  universal  dearth  around.  I  contem 
plated  this  scene  of  dismal  and  oppressive  solitude  until  the  moon 
sunk  behind  the  mountain,  and  object  after  object  became  shrouded 
in  its  shadow. 

"Rousing  Mr.  Jacob,  who  slept  soundly,  and  after  him  the  other 
members  of  our  small  party,  (nine  in  number,)  we  commenced  our 
preparations  for  the  long  and  much-dreaded  march  over  the  great 
Salt  Desert.  Mr.  Hudspeth,  tht:  gentleman  who  had  kindly  con 
ducted  us  thus  far  from  Fort  Bridger  as  our  pilot,  was  to  leave  us 
at  this  point,  for  the  purpose  of  exploring  a  route  for  the  emigrant 
wagons  further  south.  He  was  accompanied  by  three  gentlemen, 
Messrs.  Ferguson,  Kirkwood,  and  Minter.  Consequently,  from 
this  time  forward,  we  are  without  a  guide  or  any  reliable  index  to 
our  destination,  except  our  course  westward  until  we  strike  Mary's 
river  and  the  emigrant  trail  to  California,  which  runs  parallel  with 


DESCRIPTION    OF   THE    CALFFORNIA   DESERT.      193 

it,  some  two  or  three  hundred  miles  distant.  The  march  across  the 
Salt  Plain,  without  water  or  grass,  was  variously  estimated  by  those 
with  whom  I  conversed  at  Fort  Bridger  at  from  sixty  to  eighty 
miles.  Captain  Walker,  an  old  and  experienced  mountaineer,  who 
had  crossed  it  at  this  point,  as  the  guide  of  Captain  Fremont  and 
his  party,  estimated  the  distance  at  seventy-five  miles,  and  we  found 
the  estimate  to  be  correct. 

"  We  gathered  the  dead  limbs  of  the  cedars  which  had  been  cut 
down  by  Captain  Fremont's  party  when  encamped  here  last  au 
tumn,  and  igniting  them  they  gave  us  a  good  light  during  the  pre 
paration  and  discussion  of  our  frugal  breakfast,  which  consisted  to 
day  of  bread  and  coffee — bacon  being  interdicted  in  consequence  of 
its  incitement  to  thirst,  a  sensation  which  at  this  time  we  desired  to 
avoid,  as  we  felt  uncertain  how  long  it  might  be  before  we  should 
be  able  to  gratify  the  unpleasant  craving  it  produces. 

"  Each  individual  of  the  party  busied  himself  around  the  blazing 
fires,  in  making  his  various  little  but  important  arrangements,  until 
the  first  gray  of  the  dawn  manifested  itself  above  the  vapoury  bank 
overhanging  the  eastern  ridge  of  mountains,  when,  the  word  to 
saddle  up  being  given,  the  mules  were  brought  to  the  camp-fires, 
and  every  arm  and  muscle  of  the  party  was  actively  employed  in 
the  business  of  saddling  and  packing  '  with  care' — with  unusual 
care — as  a  short  detention  during  the  day's  march,  to  readjust  the 
packs,  might  result  in  an  encampment  upon  the  desert  for  the  com 
ing  night,  and  all  its  consequent  dangers — the  death  or  loss,  by 
staying  in  search  of  water  and  grass,  of  our  mules,  (next  to  death 
to  us,)  not  taking  into  account  our  own  suffering  from  thirst,  which, 
for  the  next  eighteen  or  twenty  hours,  we  had  made  up  our  minds 
to  endure  with  philosophical  fortitude  and  resignation.  A  small 
powder-keg,  holding  about  three  or  four  pints  of  coffee,  which  had 
been  emptied  of  its  original  contents  for  the  purpose,  and  filled  with 
that  beverage  made  from  the  brackish  spring  near  our  camp,  was 
the  only  vessel  we  possessed  in  which  we  could  transport  water, 
and  its  contents  composed  our  entire  liquid  refreshment  for  the 
inarch.  Instructions  were  given  to  Miller,  who  had  charge  of  the 
important  and  precious  burden,  to  husband  it  with  miserly  care,  and 
to  make  an  equitable  division  whenever  it  should  be  called  into  use. 

"  Every  thing  being  ready,  Mr.  Hudspeth,  who  accompanied  us 
to  the  summit  of  the  mountain,  led  the  way.  We  passed  upwards 
17 


194  COLONEL    DONIPHAN. 

through  the  Canada,  (pronounced  kanyeada,)  or  mountain  gorge,  at 
the  mouth  of  which  we  had  encamped,  and,  by  a  comparatively  easy 
and  smooth  ascent,  reached  the  summit  of  the  mountain  after  travel 
ling  about  six  miles.  Most  of  us  were  shivering  with  cold,  until 
the  sun  shone  broadly  upon  us,  after  emerging  by  a  steep  acclivity 
from  the  gorge  through  which  we  had  passed,  to  the  top  of  the 
ridge.  Here  we  should  have  had  a  view  of  the  mountain  at  the  foot 
of  which  our  day's  journey  was  to  terminate,  but  for  the  dense 
smoke  which  hung  over  and  filled  the  plain,  shutting  from  the 
vision  all  distant  objects. 

"Bidding  farewell  to  Mr.  Hudspethand  the  gentleman  with  him, 
(Mr.  Ferguson,)  we  commenced  the  descent  of  the  mountain.  We 
had  scarcely  parted  from  Mr.  Hudspeth,  when,  standing  on  one  of 
the  peaks,  he  stretched  out  his  long  arms,  and  with  a  voice  and  ges 
ture  as  loud  and  impressive  as  he  could  make  them,  he  called  to  us 
and  exclaimed, '  Now,  boys,  put  spurs  to  your  mules,  and  ride  like 
h — !'  The  hint  was  timely  given  and  well  meant,  but  scarcely 
necessary,  as  we  all  had  a  pretty  just  appreciation  of  the  trials  and 
hardships  before  us. 

"  The  descent  from  the  mountain  on  the  western  side  was  more 
difficult  than  the  ascent,  but  two  or  three  miles  by  a  winding  and 
precipitous  path,  through  some  straggling,  stunted,  and  tempest- 
bound  cedars,  brought  us  to  the  foot  and  into  the  valley,  where,  after 
some  search,  we  found  a  blind  trail,  which  we  supposed  to  be  that 
of  Captain  Fremont,  made  last  year.  Our  course  for  the  day  was 
nearly  due  west,  and  following  this  trail  where  it  was  visible  and 
did  not  deviate  from  our  course,  and  putting  our  mules  into  a  brisk 
gait,  we  crossed  a  valley  some  eight  or  ten  miles  in  width,  sparely 
covered  with  wild  sage  (artimisia)  and  grease-wood.  These  shrubs 
display  themselves  and  maintain  a  dying  existence,  a  brownish  ver 
dure,  on  the  most  arid  and  sterile  plains  and  mountains  of  the  desert, 
where  no  other  vegetation  shows  itself.  After  crossing  the  valley, 
we  rose  a  ridge  of  low  volcanic  hills,  thickly  strewn  with  sharp 
fragments  of  basaltes  and  a  vitreous  gravel,  resembling  junk-bottle 
glass.  We  passed  over  this  ridge  through  a  narrow  gap,  the  walls 
of  which  are  perpendicular,  and  composed  of  the  same  dark  material 
as  the  debris  strewn  around.  From  the  western  terminus  of  this 
ominous-looking  passage,  we  had  a  view  of  the  vast  desert  plain 
oefore  us,  which,  as  far  as  the  eye  could  penetrate,  was  of  a  snowy 


DESCRIPTION    OF   THE    CALIFORNIA    DESERT.      195 

whiteness,  and  resembled  a  scene  of  wintry  frosts  and  icy  desolation. 
Not  a  shrub  or  object  of  any  kind  rose  above  the  surface  for  the  eye 
to  rest  upon.  The  hiatus  in  the  animal  and  vegetable  kingdoms 
was  perfect.  It  was  a  scene  which  excited  mingled  emotions  of 
admiration  and  apprehension. 

"  Passing  a  little  further  on,  we  stood  on  the  brow  of  a  steep  pre 
cipice,  the  descent  from  the  ridge  of  hills,  immediately  below  and 
beyond  which  a  narrow  valley  or  depression  in  the  surface  of  the 
plain,  about  five  miles  in  width,  displayed  so  perfectly  the  wavy 
and  frothy  appearance  of  highly-agitated  water,  that  Colonel  Russell 
and  myself,  who  were  riding  together  some  distance  in  advance, 
both  simultaneously  exclaimed,  « We  must  have  taken  a  wrong 
course  and  struck  another  arm  or  bay  of  the  great  salt  lake.'  With 
deep  concern  we  were  looking  around,  surveying  the  face  of  the 
country  to  ascertain  what  remedy  there  might  be  for  this  formidable 
obstruction  to  our  progress,  when  the  remainder  of  the  party  came 
up.  The  difficulty  was  presented  to  them ;  but  soon,  upon  a  more 
calm  and  scrutinizing  inspection,  we  discovered  that  what  repre 
sented  so  perfectly  the  *  rushing  waters,' ^as  moveless  and  made 
no  sound.  The  illusion  soon  became  manifest  to  all  of  us,  and 
a  hearty  laugh  at  those  who  were  the  fiFet  to  be  deceived  was  the 
consequence,  denying  to  them  the  merit  of  being  good  pilots  or  pio 
neers,  &c. 

"Descending  the  precipitous  elevation  upon  which  we  stood,  we 
entered  upon  the  hard,  smooth  plain  we  had  just  been  surveying 
with  so  much  doubt  and  interest,  composed  of  bluish  clay,  encrusted 
in  wavy  lines  with  a  white  saline  substance,  the  first  representing 
the  body  of  the  water  and  the  last  the  crest  and  froth  of  the  mimic 
waves  and  surges.  Beyond  this  we  crossed  what  appeared  to  have 
been  the  beds  of  several  small  lakes,  the  waters  of  which  have 
evaporated,  thickly  encrusted  with  salt,  and  separated  from  each 
other  by  small  mound-shaped  elevations  of  a  white  sandy  or  ashy 
earth,  so  imponderous  that  it  has  been  driven  by  the  action  of  the 
winds  into  these  heaps,  which  are  constantly  changing  their  positions 
and  their  shapes.  Our  mules  waded  through  these  ashy  undula 
tions,  sometimes  sinking  to  their  knees,  at  others  to  their  bellies, 
creating  a  dust  that  rose  above  and  hung  over  us  like  a 
dense  fog. 

"From  this  point,  on  our  right  and  left,  diagonally  in  our  front. 


196  COLONEL    DONIPHAN. 

at  an  apparent  distance  of  thirty  or  forty  miles,  high  isolated  moun 
tains  rise  abruptly  from  the  surface  of  the  plain.  Those  on  our  left 
were  as  white  as  the  snow-like  face  of  the  desert,  and  may  be  of  the 
same  composition,  but  I  am  inclined  to  the  belief  that  they  are  com 
posed  of  white  clay,  or  clay  and  sand  intermingled. 

"The  mirage,  a  beautiful  phenomenon  I  have  frequently  men 
tioned  as  exhibiting  itself  upon  our  journey,  here  displayed  its  won 
derful  illusions,  in  a  perfection  and  with  a  magnificence  surpassing 
any  presentation  of  the  kind  I  had  previously  seen.  Lakes  dotted 
with  islands  and  bordered  by  groves  of  gently-waving  timber,  whose 
tranquil  and  limpid  waves  reflected  their  sloping  banks  and  the 
shady  islets  in  their  bosoms,  lay  spread  out  before  us,  inviting  us 
by  their  illusory  temptations  to  stray  from  our  path  and  enjoy  their 
cooling  shades  and  refreshing  waters.  These  fading  away  as  we 
advanced,  beautiful  villas,  adorned  with  edifices,  decorated  with  all 
life  ornaments  of  suburban  architecture,  and  surrounded  by  gardens, 
shaded  walks,  parks,  and  stately  avenues,  would  succeed  them, 
renewing  the  alluring  invitation  to  repose,  by  enticing  the  vision 
with  more  than  calypsan  enjoyments  or  elysian  pleasures.  These 
melting  from  our  view  as  those  before,  in  another  place  a  vast  city 
with  countless  columned  edifices  of  marble  whiteness,  and  studded 
with  domes,  spires,  and  turreted  towers,  would  rise  upon  the  hori 
zon  of  the  plain,  astonishing  us  with  its  stupendous  grandeur  and 
sublime  magnificence.  But  it  is  in  vain  to  attempt  a  description  of 
these  singular  and  extraordinary  phenomena.  Neither  prose,  nor 
poetry,  nor  the  pencil  of  the  artist,  can  adequately  portray  their 
beauties.  The  whole  distant  view  around,  at  this  point,  seemed 
like  the  creations  of  a  sublime  and  gorgeous  dream  or  the  effect  of 
enchantment.  I  observed  that  where  these  appearances  were  pre 
sented  in  their  most  varied  forms  and  with  the  most  vivid  distinct 
ness,  the  surface  of  the  plain  was  broken,  either  by  chasms  hollowed 
out  from  the  action  of.  the  winds,  or  by  undulations  formed  of  the 
drifting  sands. 

"About  eleven  o'clock  we  struck  a  vast  white  plain,  uniformly 
level,  and  utterly  destitute  of  vegetation,  or  any  sign  that  shrub  or 
plant  had  ever  existed  above  its  snow-like  surface.  Pausing  a  few 
moments  to  rest  our  mules,  and  moisten  our  mouths  and  throats  from 
the  scant  supply  of  beverage  in  our  powder-keg,  we  entered  upon 
this  appalling  field  of  sullen  and  hoary  desolation.  It  was  a  scene 


DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  CALIFORNIA  DESERT.   197 

so  entirely  new  to  us,  so  frightfully  forbidding  and  unearthly  in  its 
aspects,  that  all  of  us,  I  believe,  though  impressed  with  its  sublimity, 
felt  a  slight  shudder  of  apprehension.  Our  mules  seemed  to  sym 
pathize  with  us  in  the  pervading  sentiment,  and  moved  forward  with 
reluctance,  several  of  them  stubbornly  setting  their  faces  for  a  counter 
march. 

"  For  fifteen  miles  the  surface  of  this  plain  is  so  compact  that  the 
feet  of  our  animals,  as  we  hurried  them  along  over  it,  left  but  little 
if  any  impression  for  the  guidance  of  the  future  traveller.  It  is 
covered  with  a  hard  crust  of  saline  and  alkaline  substances  com 
bined,  from  one-fourth  to  one-half  of  an  inch  in  thickness,  beneath 
which  is  a  stratum  of  damp  whitish  sand  and  clay  intermingled. 
Small  fragments  of  white  shelly  rock,  of  an  inch  and  a  half  in 
thickness,  which  appear  as  if  they  once  composed  a  crust,  but  had 
been  broken  by  the  action  of  the  atmosphere,  or  the  pressure  of 
water  rising  from  beneath,  are  strewn  over  the  entire  plain  and  em 
bedded  in  the  salt  and  sand. 

"As  we  moved  onward,  a  member  of  our  party  in  the  rear  called 
our  attention  to  a  gigantic  moving  object  on  our  left,  at  an  apparent  dis 
tance  of  six  or  eight  miles.  It  is  very  difficult  to  determine  distances 
accurately  on  these  plains.  Your  estimate  is  based  upon  the  probable 
dimensions  of  the  object,  and  unless  you  know  what  the  object  is, 
and  its  probable  size,  you  are  liable  to  great  deception.  The  atmo 
sphere  seems  frequently  to  act  as  a  magnifier,  so  much  so  that  I  have 
often  seen  a  raven  perched  upon  a  low  shrub  or  an  undulation  of 
the  plain,  answering  to  the  outlines  of  a  man  on  horseback.  But 
this  object  was  so  enormously  large,  considering  its  apparent  dis 
tance,  and  its  movement  forward,  parallel  with  ours,  so  distinct,  that 
it  greatly  excited  our  wonder  and  curiosity.  Many  and  various 
were  the  conjectures  (serious  and  facetious)  of  the  party,  as  to  what 
it  might  be  or  portend.  Some  thought  it  might  be  Mr.  Hudspeth, 
who  had  concluded  to  follow  us ;  others  that  it  was  some  cyclopean 
nondescript  animal,  lost  upon  the  desert ;  others  that  it  was  the 
ghost  of  a  mammoth  or  megatherium  wandering  on  'this  rendezvous 
of  death  ;'  others  that  it  was  the  d — 1  mounted  on  an  ibis,  &c.  It 
was  the  general  conclusion,  however,  that  no  animal  composed  of 
flesh  and  blood,  or  even  a  healthy  ghost,  could  here  inhabit.  A 
partner  of  equal  size  soon  joined  it,  and  for  an  hour  or  more  they 
17* 


198  COLONEL    DONIPHAN. 

moved  along  as  before,  parallel  to  us,  when  ihey  disappeared  appa 
rently  behind  the  horizon. 

"  As  we  proceeded  the  plain  gradually  became  softer,  and  our 
mules  sometimes  sunk  to  their  knees  in  the  stiff  composition  of  salt, 
sand,  and  clay.  The  travelling  at  length  became  so  difficult  and 
fatiguing  to  our  animals  that  several  of  the  party  dismounted,  (my 
self  among  the  number,)  and  we  Consequently  slackened  our  hitherto 
brisk  pace  into  a  walk.  About  two  o'clock,  P.  M.  we  discovered 
through  the  smoky  vapour  the  dim  outlines  of  the  mountain  in  front 
of  us,  at  the  foot  of  which  was  to  terminate  our  day's  march,  if  we 
were  so  fortunate  as  to  reach  it.  But  still  we  were  a  long  and  weary 
distance  from  it,  and  from  the  '  grass  and  water'  which  we  expected 
there  to  find.  A  cloud  rose  from  the  south  soon  afterwards,  accom 
panied  by  several  distant  peals  of  thunder  and  furious  wind,  rushing 
across  the  plain,  and  filling  the  whole  atmosphere  around  us  with 
the  fine  particles  of  salt,  and  drifting  it  in  heaps  like  the  newly- 
fallen  snow.  Our  eyes  became  nearly  blinded  and  our  throats 
choked  with  the  saline  matter,  and  the  very  air  we  breathed  tasted 
of  salt. 

"  During  the  subsidence  of  this  tempest  there  appeared  upon  the 
plain  one  of  the  most  extraordinary  phenomena,  I  dare  to  assert, 
ever  witnessed.  As  I  have  before  stated,  I  had  dismounted  from  my 
mule,  and  turning  it  in  with  the  caballada,  was  walking  several  rods 
in  front  of  the  party,  in  order  to  lead  in  a  direct  course  to  the  point 
of  our  destination.  Diagonally  in  front,  to  the  right,  our  course  being 
west,  there  .appeared  the  figures  of  a  number  of  men  and  horses,  some 
fifteen  or  twenty.  Some  of  these  figures  were  mounted,  and  others 
dismounted,  and  appeared  to  be  marching  in  front.  Their  faces  and 
the  heads  of  their  horses  were  turned  towards  us,  and  at  first  they 
appeared  as  if  they  were  rushing  down  upon  us.  Their  apparent 
distance,  judging  from  the  horizon,  was  from  three  to  five  miles. 
But  their  size  was  not  correspondent,  for  they  appeared  nearly  as 
large  as  our  own  bodies,  and  consequently  were  of  gigantic  stature. 
At  first  view  I  supposed  them  to  be  a  small  party  of  Indians  (pro 
bably  the  Utahs)  marching  from  the  opposite  side  of  the  plain.  But 
this  seemed  to  me  scarcely  probable,  as  no  hunting  or  war  party 
would  be  likely  to  take  this  route.  I  called  to  some  of  our  party 
nearest  to  me  to  hasten  forward,  as  there  were  men  in  front  coming 
toward  us.  Very  soon  the  fifteen  or  twenty  figures  were  multiplied 


DESCRIPTION    OF   THE    CALIFORNIA   DESERT.      JL99 

into  three  or  four  hundred,  and  appeared  to  be  marching  forward 
with  the  greatest  action  and  speed.  I  then  conjectured  that  they 
might  be  Captain  Fremont  and  his  party,  with  others  from  Cali 
fornia,  returning  to  the  United  States  by  this  route,  although  they 
seemed  to  be  too  numerous  even  for  this.  I  spoke  to  Brown,  who 
was  nearest  to  me,  and  asked  him  if  he  noticed  the  figures  of  men 
and  horses  in  front.  He  answered  that  he  did,  and  that  he  had  ob 
served  the  same  appearances  several  times  previously,  but  that  they 
had  disappeared,  and  he  believed  them  to  be  optical  illusions  similar 
to  the  mirage.  It  was  then,  for  the  first  time,  so  perfect  was  the 
deception,  that  I  conjectured  the  probable  fact  that  these  figures 
were  the  reflection  of  our  own  images  by  the  atmosphere,  filled  as 
it  was  with  fine  particles  of  crystallized  matter,  or  by  the  distant 
horizon,  covered  by  the  same  substance.  This  induced  a  more  mi 
nute  observation  of  the  phenomenon,  in  order  to  detect  the  deception, 
if  such  it  were.  I  noticed  a  single  figure,  apparently  in  front  in 
advance  of  all  the  others,  and  was  struck  with  its  likeness  to  my 
self.  Its  motions  too  I  thought  were  the  same  as  mine.  To  test 
the  hypothesis  above  suggested,  I  wheeled  suddenly  around,  at  the 
same  time  stretching  my  arms  out  to  their  full  length,  and  turning 
my  face  sideways  to  notice  the  movements  of  this  figure.  It  went 
through  precisely  the  same  motions.  I  then  marched  deliberately 
and  with  long  strides  several  paces,  the  figure  did  the  same.  To 
test  it  more  thoroughly,  I  repeated  the  experiment,  and  with  the 
same  result.  The  fact  then  was  clear.  But  it  was  more  fully  ve 
rified  still,  for  the  whole  array  of  this  numerous  shadowy  host  in 
the  course  of  an  hour  melted  entirely  away  and  was  no  more  seen. 
The  phenomenon,  however,  explained  and  gave  the  history  of  the 
gigantic  spectres  which  appeared  and  disappeared  so  mysteriously 
at  an  earlier  hour  of  the  day.  The  figures  were  our  own  shadows, 
produced  and  reproduced  by  the  mirror-like  composition  impregnat 
ing  the  atmosphere  and  covering  the  plain.  I  cannot  here  more 
particularly  explain  or  refer  to  the  subject.  But  this  spectral  popu 
lation,  springing  out  of  the  ground  as  it  were,  and  arraying  itself 
before  us  as  we  traversed  this  dreary  and  Heaven-condemned  waste, 
although  we  were  entirely  convinced  of  the  cause  of  the  apparition, 
excited  those  superstitious  emotions  so  natural  to  all  mankind. 

"  About  five  o'clock,  P.  M.,  we  reached  and  passed,  leaving  it  to 
our  left,  a  small  butfe,  rising  solitary  from  the  plain.     Around  this 


200  COLONEL   DONIPHAN. 

the  ground  is  uneven,  and  a  few  scattering  shrubs,  leafless  and  with 
out  verdure,  raised  themselves  above  the  white  sand  and  saline  mat 
ter,  which  seemed  recently  to  have  drifted,  so  as  nearly  to  conceal 
them.  Eight  miles  brought  us  to  the  northern  end  of  a  short  range 
of  mountains,  turning  the  point  of  which  and  bending  our  course  to 
the  left,  we  gradually  came  upon  higher  ground,  composed  of  com 
pact  volcanic  gravel.  I  was  here  considerably  in  the  rear,  having 
made  a  detour  towards  the  base  of  the  butte,  and  thence  toward  the 
centre  of  the  short  range  of  mountains  to  discover,  if  such  existed,  a 
spring  of  water.  I  saw  no  such  joyful  presentation,  nor  any  of  the 
usual  indications ;  and  when  I  reached  and  turned  the  point,  the 
whole  party  were  several  miles  ahead  of  me  and  out  of  sight.  Con 
gratulating  myself  that  I  stood  once  more  on  terra  firma,  I  urged 
my  tired  mule  forward  with  all  the  life  and  activity  that  spur  and 
whip  could  inspire  her  with,  passing  down  the  range  of  mountains 
on  my  left  some  four  or  five  miles,  and  then  rising  some  rocky  hills 
connecting  this  with  a  long  and  high  range  of  mountains  on  my 
right.  The  distance  across  these  hills  is  about  seven  or  eight  miles. 
When  I  had  reached  the  most  elevated  point  of  this  ridge  the  sun 
was  setting,  and  I  saw  my  fellow  travellers  still  far  in  advance  of 
me,  entering  again  upon  a  plain  or  valley  of  salt,  some  ten  or  twelve 
miles  in  breadth.  On  the  opposite  side  of  this  valley  rose  abruptly 
and  to  a  high  elevation  another  mountain,  at  the  foot  of  which  we 
expected  to  find  the  spring  of  fresh  water  that  was  to  quench  our 
thirst,  and  revive  and  sustain  the  drooping  energies  of  our  faithful 
beasts. 

"About  midway  upwards,  in  a  Canada  of  this  mountain,  I  noticed 
the  smoke  of  a  fire,  which  apparently  had  just  been  kindled,  as 
doubtless  it  had  been,  by  Indians,  who  were  then  there,  and  had 
discovered  our  party  on  the  white  plain  below,  it  being  the  custom 
of  these  Indians  to  make  signals  by  fire  and  smoke  whenever  they 
notice  strange  objects.  Proceeding  onward,  I  overtook  an  old  and 
favourite  pack-mule,  which  was  familiarly  called  '  Old  Jenny.'  She 
carried  our  meat  and  flour — all  that  we  possessed  in  fact  as  a  suste 
nance  of  life.  Her  pack  had  turned,  and  her  burden,  instead  of 
being  on  her  back,  was  suspended  under  her  belly.  With  the  good 
sense  and  discretion  so  characteristic  of  the  Mexican  pack-mule,  be 
ing  behind  and  following  the  party  in  advance,  she  had  stopped  short 
in  the  road  until  some  one  should  come  to  re-arrange  her  cargo  and 


DESCRIPTION    OF   THE    CALIFORNIA   DESERT.      201 

place  it  on  deck  instead  of  under  the  keel.  I  dismounted  and  went 
through  by  myself  the  rather  tedious  and  laborious  process  of  un 
packing  and  repacking.  This  done, '  Old  Jenny'  set  forward  upon 
a  fast  gallop  to  overtake  her  companions  ahead ;  and  my  own  mule, 
as  if  not  to  be  outdone  in  the  race,  followed  in  the  same  gait.  *  Old 
Jenny,'  however,  maintained  the  honours  of  the  race,  keeping  con 
siderably  ahead.  Both  of  them,  by  that  instinct  or  faculty  which 
mules  undoubtedly  possess,  had  scented  the  water  on  the  other  side 
of  the  valley,  and  their  pangs  of  extreme  thirst  urged  them  forward 
at  this  extraordinary  speed,  after  the  long  and  laborious  march  they 
had  made  to  obtain  it. 

"  As  I  advanced  over  the  plain,  which  was  covered  with  a  thicker 
crust  of  salt  than  that  previously  described,  breaking  under  the  feet 
of  the  animals  like  a  crust  of  frozen  snow,  the  spreading  of  the  fires 
in  the  Canada  of  the  mountain  appeared  with  great  distinctness. 
The  line  of  lights  was  regular  like  camp-fires,  and  I  was  more  than 
half  inclined  to  hope  that  we  should  meet  and  be  welcomed  by  an 
encampment  of  civilized  men,  either  hunters  or  a  party  from  the 
Pacific  bound  homeward.  The  moon  rose  about  nine  o'clock,  dis 
playing  and  illuminating  the  unnatural,  unearthly  dreariness  of  the 
scenery. 

" '  Old  Jenny'  for  some  time  had  so  far  beat  me  in  the  race  as  to 
be  out  of  my  sight  and  I  out  of  the  sound  of  her  footsteps.  I  was 
entirely  alone,  and  enjoying,  as  well  as  a  man  could  with  a  crust 
of  salt  in  his  nostrils  and  over  his  lips,  and  a  husky  mouth  and 
throat,  the  singularity  of  rny  situation,  when  I  observed  about  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  ahead  of  me  a  dark  stationary  object,  standing  in 
the  midst  of  the  hoary  scenery.  I  supposed  it  to  be  '  Old  Jenny,' 
in  trouble  once  more  about  her  pack.  But,  coming  up  to  a  speaking 
distance,  I  was  challenged  in  a  loud  voice  with  the  usual  guard 
salutation,  'Who  comes  there  ?'  Having  no  countersign,  I  gave  the 
common  response  in  such  cases,  « A  friend.'  This  appeared  to  be 
satisfactory ;  for  I  heard  no  report  of  pistol  or  rifle,  and  no  arrow 
took  its  soundless  flight  through  my  body.  I  rode  up  to  the  object, 
and  discovered  it  to  be  Buchanan  sitting  upon  his  mule,  which  had 
become  so  much  exhausted  that  it  occasionally  refused  to  go  along, 
notwithstanding  his  industrious  application  of  the  usual  incentives 
to  progress.  He  said  that  he  had  supposed  himself  to  be  the  '  last 
man'  before  '  Old  Jenny'  passed,  who  had  given  him  a  surprise,  and 


202  COLONEL   DONIPHAN. 

he  was  quite  thunderstruck  when  an  animal,  mounted  by  a  man, 
came  charging  upon  him  in  his  half-crippled  condition.  After  a 
good  laugh  and  some  little  delay  and  difficulty,  we  got  his  mule 
under  way  again  and  rode  slowly  along  together. 

"  We  left,  to  us,  in  our  tired  condition,  the  seemingly  interminable 
plain  of  salt,  and  entered  upon  the  sagey  slope  of  the  mountain 
about  ten  o'clock.  'Hallooing  as  loudly  as  we  could  raise  our  voices, 
we  obtained  by -a  response  the  direction  of  our  party  who  had  pre 
ceded  us,  and,  after  some  difficulty  in  making  our  way  through  the 
sage,  grass,  and  willows,  (the  last  a  certain  indication  of  water  in 
the  desert,)  we  came  to  where  they  had  discovered  a  faint  stream 
of  water,  and  made  their  camp.  Men  and  mules,  on  their  first  ar 
rival,  as  we  learned,  had  madly  rushed  into  the  stream  and  drank 
together  of  its  muddy  waters,  made  muddy  by  their  own  disturb 
ance  of  its  shallow  channel  and  sluggish  current. 

"Delay  of  gratification  frequently  gives  a  temporary  relief  to  the 
cravings  of  hunger.  The  same  remark  is  applicable  to  thirst.  Some 
hours  previously  I  had  felt  the  pangs  of  thirst  with  an  acuteness 
almost  amounting  to  an  agony.  Now,  when  I  had  reached  the  spot 
where  I  could  gratify  my  desires  in  this  respect,  they  were  greatly 
diminished.  My  first  care  wras  to  unsaddle  my  mule  and  lead  it  to 
the  stream,  and  my  next  to  take  a  survey  of  the  position  of  our  en 
campment.  I  then  procured  a  cup  of  muddy  water  and  drank  it 
off  with  a  good  relish.  The  fires  before  noticed  were  still  blazing 
brightly  above  us  on  the  side  of  the  mountain,  but  those  who  had 
lighted  them  had  given  no  other  signal  of  their  proximity.  The 
moon  shone  brilliantly,  and  Jacob,  Buchanan,  McClary,  and  my 
self,  concluded  we  would  trace  the  small  stream  of  water  until  we 
could  find  the  fountain  spring.  After  considerable  search  among 
the  reeds,  willow,  and  luxuriant  green,  we  discovered  a  spring. 
Buchannan  was  so  eager  to  obtain  a  draught  of  cold  pure  water, 
that  in  dipping  his  cup  for  this  purpose  the  yielding  weeds  under 
him  gave  way,  and  he  sunk  into  the  basin,  from  which  he  was 
drawn  out  after  a  good  « ducking'  by  one  of  those  present.  The 
next  morning  this  basin  was  sounded  to  the  depth  of  thirty-five  feet, 
and  no  bottom  found.  We  named  this  spring  '  Buchanan's  Well/ 
We  lighted  no  fires  to-night,  and  prepared  no  evening  meal.  Worn 
down  by  the  hard  day's  travel,  after  relieving  our  thirst,  we  spread 
our  blankets  upon  the  ground,  and,  laying  our  bodies  upon  them 


DONIPHAN'S  PERSONAL  APPEARANCE.          203 

slept  soundly  in  the  bright  moonshine.  Several  of  our  party  had 
been  on  the  road  upwards  of  seventeen  hours,  without  water  or  re 
freshment  of  any  kind,  except  a  small  draught  of  cold  coffee  from 
our  powder-keg,  made  of  the  salt-sulphur  water  at  our  last  encamp 
ment,  and  had  travelled  the  distance  of  seventy-five  miles.  The  Salt 
Plain  has  never  at  this  place,  so  far  as  I  could  understand,  been 
crossed  but  twice  previously  by  civilized  men,  and  in  these  instances 
two  days  were  occupied  in  performing  the  journey." 

"  Colonel  Doniphan,"  says  a  volunteer  who  accompanied  him  in 
the  march,  "  is  in  age  about  forty,  and  in  stature,  six  feet  two  inches, 
of  large  frame,  and  with  a  very  intelligent  face.  His  great  charm  lies 
in  his  easy  and  kind  manner.  On  the  march  he  could  not  be  dis 
tinguished  from  the  other  soldiers,  either  by  dress  or  from  his  con 
versation.  He  ranked  high  as  a  lawyer  in  Missouri." 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  FREMONT. 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  JOHN  C.  FREMONT  is  a  native  of  South 
Carolina.  He  served  as  first  assistant  to  the  celebrated  Nicollet,  and 
was  appointed  to  the  United  States'  army  as  second  lieutenant  topo 
graphical  engineers,  July  7th,  1838,  and  in  that  capacity  has  several 
times  conducted  expeditions  across  the  Rocky  Mountains  to  the  Pa 
cific.  By  the  instrumentality  of  his  father-in-law,  Hon.  Thomas 
H.  Benton,  he  has  lately  [May  27th,  1846]  been  appointed  to  his 
present  station. 

In  May,  1845,  Fremont  received  orders  from  the  War  Department 
at  Washington,  to  pursue  his  explorations  in  the  regions  beyond  the 
Rocky  Mountains.  His  force  amounted  to  sixty-two  men.  One 
of  the  objects  contemplated,  was  the  discovery  of  a  new  and  shorter 
route  from  the  western  base  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  to  the  mouth 
of  the  Columbia  river.  To  accomplish  this  it  was  necessary  to 
journey,  for  a  part  of  the  distance,  through  the  unsettled  portions 
of  California,  and  a  small  tract  of  the  inhabited  region.  He  ap 
proached  these  settlements  in  the  winter  of  1845-6,  and  halting  his 
command  on  the  frontier,  one  hundred  miles  from  Monterey,  he 
proceeded  alone  to  that  city,  to  explain  the  object  of  his  coming,  and 
obtain  permission  to  enter  the  valley  of  the  San  Joaquin.  This  was 
granted,  but  scarcely  had  he  reached  the  desired  spot,  than  he  re 
ceived  authentic  information,  that  the  Mexican  general,  Castro,  was 
preparing  to  attack  him  with  a  large  force  of  artillery,  cavalry  and 
infantry,  supposing  that,  under  cover  of  a  scientific  mission,  Fre 
mont  was  exciting  the  American  settlers  to  revolt.  The  captain  did. 
not  retreat ;  but  taking  a  position  on  a  mountain  overlooking  Mon 
terey  at  a  distance  of  about  thirty  miles,  he  entrenched  it,  raised  the 
(204) 


COLONEL   FREMONT. 


OPERATIONS   IN   CALIFORNIA.  205 

flag  of  the  United  States,  and  with  his  men  awaited  the  approach 
of  the  enemy. 

From  the  7th  to  the  10th  of  March,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Fre 
mont  and  his  little  band  maintained  this  position.  General  Castro 
did  not  approach  within  attacking  distance,  and  Captain  Fremont, 
adhering  to  his  plan  of  avoiding  all  collisions,  and  determined  neither 
to  compromit  his  government,  nor  the  American  settlers,  ready  to 
join  him  at  all  hazards  if  he  had  been  attacked,  abandoned  his  po 
sition,  and  commenced  his  march  for  Oregon,  intending  by  that  route 
to  return  to  the  United  States.  Deeming  all  danger  from  the  Mexi 
cans  to  be  passed,  he  yielded  to  the  wishes  of  some  of  his  men  who 
desired  to  remain  in  the  country,  discharged  them  from  his  service, 
and  refused  to  receive  others  in  their  stead,  so  cautious  was  he  to 
avoid  doing  any  thing  which  would  compromit  the  American  set 
tlers,  or  give  even  a  colour  of  offence  to  the  Mexican  authorities. 
He  pursued  his  march  slowly  and  leisurely,  as  the  state  of  his  men 
and  horses  required,  until  the  middle  of  May,  and  had  reached  the 
northern  shore  of  the  greater  Tlamath  lake,  within  the  limits  of  the 
Oregon  Territory,  when  he  found  his  further  progress  in  that  direc 
tion  obstructed  by  impassable  snowy  mountains  and  hostile  Indians, 
who  had  been  excited  against  him  by  General  Castro,  had  killed  and 
wounded  four  of  his  men,  and  left  him  no  repose  either  in  camp  or 
on  his  march.  At  the  same  time,  information  reached  him  that 
General  Castro,  in  addition  to  his  Indian  allies,  was  advancing  in 
person  against  him,  with  artillery  and  cavalry,  at  the  head  of  four 
or  five  hundred  men ;  that  they  were  passing  around  the  head  of 
the  Bay  of  San  Francisco  to  a  rendezvous  on  the  north  side  of  it, 
and  that  the  American  settlers  in  the  valley  of  the  Sacramento  were 
comprehended  in  the  scheme  of  destruction  meditated  against  his 
own  party.  Under  these  circumstances,  he  determined  to  turn  upon 
his  Mexican  pursuers,  and  seek  safety  both  for  his  own  party,  and 
the  American  settlers,  not  merely  in  the  defeat  of  Castro,  but  in  the 
total  overthrow  of  the  Mexican  authority  in  California,  and  the  es 
tablishment  of  an  independent  government  in  that  extensive  depart 
ment.  It  was  on  the  6th  of  June,  and  before  the  commencement 
of  the  war  between  the  United  States  and  Mexico  could  have  been 
known,  that  this  resolution  was  taken ;  and,  by  the  5th  of  July,  it 
was  carried  into  effect  by  a  series  of  rapid  attacks  by  a  small  body 
of  adventurous  men,  under  the  conduct  of  an  intrepid  leader,  quici. 

18 


206  LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   FREMONT. 

to  perceive  and  able  to  direct  the  proper  measures  for  accomplish 
ing  such  a  daring  enterprise.  On  the  llth  of  June,  a  convoy  of 
two  hundred  horses  for  Castro's  camp,  with  an  officer  and  fourteen 
men,  were  surprised  and  captured  by  twelve  of  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Fremont's  party.  On  the  15th,  at  daybreak,  the  military  post  of 
Sonoma  was  surprised  and  taken,  with  nine  brass  cannon,  two  hun 
dred  and  fifty  stands  of  muskets,  and  several  officers,  and  some  men 
and  munitions  of  war.  Leaving  a  small  garrison  in  Sonoma,  Lieu 
tenant-Colonel  Fremont  went  to  the  Sacramento  to  arouse  the  Ame 
rican  settlers :  but  scarcely  had  he  arrived  there,  when  an  express 
reached  him  from  the  garrison  of  Sonoma,  with  information  that 
Castro's  whole  force  was  crossing  the  bay  to  attack  that  place.  This 
intelligence  was  received  in  the  afternoon  of  the  23d  of  June,  while 
he  was  on  the  American  fork  of  the  Sacramento,  eighty  miles  from 
the  little  garrison  at  Sonoma ;  and,  at  two  o'clock  on  the  morning 
of  the  25th,  he  arrived  at  that  place  with  ninety  riflemen  from  the 
American  settlers  in  that  valley.  The  enemy  had  not  yet  appeared. 
Scouts  were  sent  out  to  reconnoitre,  and  a  party  of  twenty  fell  in 
with  a  squadron  of  seventy  dragoons,  (all  of  Castro's  force  which 
had  crossed  the  bay,)  attacked  and  defeated  it,  killing  and  wounding 
five,  without  harm  to  themselves ;  the  Mexican  commander,  De  la 
Torre,  barely  escaping  with  the  loss  of  his  transport  boats,  and  nine 
pieces  of  brass  artillery,  spiked. 

The  country  north  of  the  Bay  of  San  Francisco  being  cleared 
of  the  enemy,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Fremont  returned  to  Sonoma  on 
the  evening  of  the  4th  of  July,  and,  on  the  morning  of  the  5th, 
called  the  people  together,  explained  to  them  the  condition  of  things 
in  the  province,  and  recommended  an  immediate  declaration  of  in 
dependence.  The  declaration  was  made,  and  he  was  selected  to 
take  the  chief  direction  of  affairs.  The  attack  on  Castro  was  the 
next  object.  He  was  at  Santa  Clara,  an  intrenched  post  on  the 
upper  or  south  side  of  the  Bay  of  San  Francisco,  with  four  hundred 
men  and  two  pieces  of  field-artillery.  A  circuit  of  more  than  one 
hundred  miles  must  be  traversed  to  reach  him.  On  the  6th  of  July 
the  pursuit  was  commenced,  by  a  body  of  one  hundred  and  sixty 
mounted  riflemen,  commanded  by  Colonel  Fremont  in  person,  who, 
in  three  days,  arrived  at  the  American  settlements  on  the  Rio  de  los 
Americanos.  Here  he  learnt  that  Castro  had  abandoned  Santa  Clara, 
and  was  retreating  south,  towards  Ciudad  de  los  Angelos,  the  seat 


LETTER  TO  THE  ADJUTANT-GENERAL.     207 

of  the  governor-general  of  the  Californias,  and  distant  four  hundred 
miles.  It  was  instantly  resolved  to  pursue  him  to  that  place.  At 
the  moment  of  departure,  the  gratifying  intelligence  was  received 
that  war  with  Mexico  had  commenced ;  that  Monterey  had  been 
taken  by  our  naval  forces,  and  the  flag  of  the  United  States  there 
raised  on  the  7th  of  July ;  and  that  the  fleet  would  co-operate  with 
the  army  against  Castro  and  his  forces.  The  flag  of  independence 
was  hauled  down,  and  that  of  the  United  States  hoisted  amidst  the 
hearty  greetings,  and  to  the  great  joy  of  the  American  settlers  and 
forces  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Fremont. 

The  combined  pursuit  was  rapidly  continued ;  and  on  the  12th 
of  August,  Commodore  Stockton  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Fremont, 
with  a  detachment  of  marines  from  the  squadron,  and  some  rifle 
men,  entered  the  City  of  the  Angels  without  resistance ;  the  go 
vernor-general,  Pico,  the  commandant-general,  Castro,  and  all  of 
the  Mexican  authorities,  having  fled  and  dispersed.  Commodore 
Stockton  took  possession  of  the  whole  country  as  a  conquest  of  the 
United  States,  and  appointed  Lieutenant-Colonel  Fremont  governor, 
under  the  law  of  nations ;  to  assume  the  functions  of  that  office 
when  he  should  return  to  the  squadron. 

Unfortunately,  Colonel  Fremont  became  involved  in  the  dispute 
between  Commodore  Stockton  and  General  Kearny,  concerning  the 
supreme  command  of  the  conquered  territories.  As  he  had  served 
under  the  Commodore  previous  to  this  affair,  he  still  continued  to  do 
so,  in  violation  of  the  commission  from  the  President  held  by  General 
Kearny.  For  awhile  the  latter  submitted ;  but  on  the  arrival  of  re 
inforcements  he  assumed  the  chief  command,  arrested  Fremont,  and 
sent  him  as  a  prisoner  to  Washington.  On  his  arrival  he  addressed 
the  following  letter  [dated  September  17th,  1847]  to  the  adjutant- 
general  :— 

"  7b  the  Adjutant- General: — SIR:  According  to  the  orders  of 
Brigadier-General  Kearny,  I  have  the  honour  to  report  myself  to 
you  in  person,  in  a  state  of  arrest,  and  to  make  the  following 
requests : 

"  1 .  A  copy  of  the  charges  filed  against  me  by  the  said  general. 

"  2.  A  copy  of  the  orders  under  which  the  said  general  brought 
back  from  California  to  the  United  States  myself  and  the  topogra 
phical  party  of  which  I  formerly  had  the  command. 

"  3.  A  copy  of  the  communication  from  Senator  Benton,  asking 


208  LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   FREMONT. 

for  my  arrest  and  trial  on  the  charges  made  in  the  newspapers 
against  me,  and  which  application  from  him  I  adopt  and  make  my 
own. 

"4.  That  charges  and  specifications,  in  addition  to  those  filed  by 
General  Kearny,  be  made  out  in  form  against  me,  on  all  the  news 
paper  publications  which  have  come,  or  shall  come  to  the  knowledge 
of  the  office,  and  on  all  other  information,  oral  or  written. 

"  5.  That  I  may  have  a  trial  as  soon  as  the  witnesses  now  in  the 
United  States  can  be  got  to  Washington ;  for,  although  the  testi 
mony  of  the  voice  of  California,  through  some  of  its  most  respectable 
inhabitants,  is  essential  to  me,  and  also  that  of  Commodore  Stockton, 
who  has  not  yet  arrived  from  that  province,  yet  I  will  not  wish  the 
delay  of  waiting  for  these  far-distant  witnesses,  and  will  go  into  trial 
on  the  testimony  now  in  the  United  States — part  of  which  is  in  the 
state  of  Missouri,  and  may  require  thirty  days  to  get  it  to  Washing 
ton.  I  therefore  ask  for  a  trial  at  the  end  of  that  time. 

"  These  requests  I  have  the  honour  to  make,  and  hope  they  will 
be  found  to  be  just,  and  will  be  granted.  I  wish  a  full  trial,  and  a 
speedy  one.  The  charges  against  me  by  Brigadier-General  Kearny» 
and  the  subsidiary  accusations  made  against  me  in  newspapers, 
when  I  was  not  in  this  country,  impeach  me  in  all  the  departments 
of  my  conduct  (military,  civil,  political,  and  moral)  while  in  Cali 
fornia,  and,  if  true,  would  subject  me  to  be  cashiered  and  shot  under 
the  rules  and  articles  of  war,  and  to  infamy  in  the  public  opinion. 
It  is  my  intention  to  meet  these  charges  and  accusations  in  all  their 
extent ;  and  for  that  purpose  to  ask  a  trial  upon  every  point  of  alle 
gation  or  insinuation  against  me,  waiving  all  objections  to  forms 
and  technicalities,  and  allowing  the  widest  range  to  all  possible  tes 
timony.  These  charges  and  accusations  are  so  general  and  exten 
sive  as  to  cover  the  whole  field  of  my  operations  in  California,  both 
civil  and  military,  from  the  beginning  to  the  end  of  hostilities,  and 
as  my  operations,  and  those  of  which  I  was  the  subject  or  object, 
extend  to  almost  every  act  and  event  which  occurred  in  the  country 
during  the  eventful  period  of  those  hostilities,  the  testimony  on  my 
trial  will  be  the  history  of  the  conquest  of  California,  and  the  expo 
sition  of  the  policy  which  has  been  heretofore  pursued  there,  and 
the  elucidation  of  that  which  should  be  followed  hereafter.  It  will 
oe  the  means  of  giving  valuable  information  to  the  government, 
which  it  might  not  otherwise  be  able  to  obtain,  and  thus  enlighten  it 


LETTER   TO   THE   ADJUTANT-GENERAL.  209 

both  with  respect  to  the  past  and  the  future.  Being  a  military 
subordinate,  I  can  make  no  report,  not  even  of  my  own  operations ; 
but  my  trial  may  become  a  report,  and  bring  to  the  knowledge  of 
the  government  what  it  ought  to  know,  not  only  with  respect  to  the 
conduct  of  its  officers,  but  also  in  regard  to  the  policy  observed,  or 
necessary  to  be  observed,  with  regard  to  the  three-fold  population 
(Spanish-Americans,  Anglo-Americans,  and  aboriginal  Americans) 
which  that  remote  province  contains.  Viewed  under  these  aspects 
of  public  interest,  my  own  personal  concern  in  the  trial  —  already 
sufficiently  grave  —  acquires  an  additional  and  public  importance ; 
and  for  these  high  objects,  as  well  as  to  vindicate  my  own  character 
from  accusations  both  capital  and  infamous,  it  is  my  intention  to  re 
quire  and  to  promote  the  most  searching  examination  into  every 
thing  that  has  been  done  in  that  quarter.  -•*' ' 

"  The  public  mind  has  become  impressed  with  the  belief  that 
great  misconduct  has  prevailed  in  California  ;  and,  in  fact,  it  would 
be  something  rare  in  the  history  of  remote  conquests  and  govern 
ments,  where  every  petty  commander  might  feel  himself  invested 
with  proconsular  authority,  and  protected  by  distance  from  the  su 
pervision  of  his  government,  if  nothing  wrong  or  culpable  has  beerf 
done  by  the  public  agents  of  the  United  States  in  that  remote  pro 
vince.  The  public  believe  it ;  and  the  charges  filed  against  me 
by  Brigadier-General  Kearny  —  the  subsidiary  publications  made 
against  me  whilst  I  was  not  in  this  country — my  arrest  on  the  fron 
tier,  and  the  premonitory  rumours  of  that  event — the  manner  of  my 
being  brought  home  for  trial,  not  in  irons,  as  some  newspapers  sup 
pose,  but  in  chains  stronger  than  iron,  and  with  circumstances  of 
ostentatious  and  galling  degradation  —  have  all  combined  to  present 
me  as  the  great  malefactor,  and  the  sole  one. 

"  Heretofore  I  have  said  nothing,  and  could  have  said  nothing,  in 
my  own  defence.  I  was  ignorant  of  all  that  was  going  on  against 
"me  ;  ignorant  of  the  charges  sent  from  California;  ignorant  of  the 
intended  arrest,  and  of  the  subsidiary  publications  to  prejudice  the 
public  mind.  What  was  published  in  the  United  States  in  my 
favour,  by  my  friends,  was  done  upon  their  own  view  of  things  here, 
and  of  which  I  knew  nothing.  It  was  only  on  my  arrival  at  the 
frontiers  of  the  United  States  that  I  became  acquainted  with  these 
things,  which  concerned  me  so  nearly.  Brought  home  by  General 
Kearny,  and  marched  in  his  rear,  I  did  not  know  of  his  design  to 
18*  X* 


210  LIEUTENANT-COLONEL    FREMONT. 

arrest  me  until  the  moment  of  its  execution  at  Fort  Leaven  worth.  He 
then  informed  me  that,  among  the  charges  which  he  had  preferred, 
were  mutiny,  disobedience  of  orders,  assumption  of  powers,  &c. ; 
and  referred  me  to  your  office  for  particulars.  Accordingly,  I  now 
apply  for  them,  and  ask  for  a  full  and  speedy  trial,  not  only  on  the 
charges  filed  by  the  said  general,  but  on  all  accusations  contained  in 
the  publications  against  me. 

"  The  private  calamity  [the  severe  illness  of  his  mother]  which 
has  this  evening  obtained  for  me  permission  from  the  department  to 
visit  South  Carolina,  does  not  create  any  reason  for  postponement  or 
delay  of  the  trial,  or  in  any  way  interfere  with  the  necessary  preli 
minaries. 

"  Hoping,  then,  sir,  that  you  will  obtain  and  communicate  to  me 
an  early  decision  of  the  proper  authorities  on  these  requests,  I 
remain,  &c." 

In  conformity  with  the  desire  of  Colonel  Fremont,  his  trial  com 
menced  soon  after  his  arrival  at  the  capital,  and  is  still  [January, 
1848]  progressing. 

The  following  account  of  the  Colonel's  celebrated  ride  in  Cali 
fornia,  will  exhibit  his  capability  of  enduring  fatigue  and  hardships : — 

"  It  was  at  daybreak  on  the  morning  of  the  22d  of  March,  that 
the  party  set  out  from  la  Ciudad  de  los  Angelos  (the  City  of  the 
Angels,)  in  the  southern  part  of  California,  to  proceed  in  the  shortest 
time  to  Monterey,  on  the  Pacific  Ocean,  distant  full  four  hundred 
miles.  The  way  is  over  a  mountainous  country,  much  of  it  unin 
habited,  with  no  other  road  than  a  trace,  and  many  defiles  to  pass, 
particularly  the  maritime  Defile  of  El  Rincon,  or  Punto  Gordo,  fifteen 
miles  in  extent,  made  by  the  jutting  of  a  precipitous  mountain  into 
the  sea,  which  can  only  be  passed  when  the  tide  is  out  and  the  sea 
calm,  and  even  then  in  many  places  through  the  waves.  The  towns 
of  Santa  Barbara  and  San  Luis  Obispo,  and  occasional  ranchos, 
are  the  principal  inhabited  places  on  the  route.  Each  of  the  party 
had  three  horses,  nine  in  all,  to  take  their  turns  under  the  saddle. 
The  six  loose  horses  ran  ahead,  without  bridle  or  halter,  and  required 
some  attention  to  keep  to  the  track. 

«  When  wanted  for  a  change,  say  at  distances  of  twenty  miles, 
they  were  caught  by  the  lasso,  thrown  either  by  Don  Jesus  Pico, 
or  the  servant  Jacob,  who,  though  born  and  raised  in  Washington, 
in  his  long  expeditions  with  Colonel  Fremont  had  become  as  ex 


FREMONT'S  CELEBRATED  RIDE.  211 

pert  as  a  Mexican  with  the  lasso,  as  sure  as  a  mountaineer  with  the 
rifle,  equal  to  either  on  horse  or  foot,  and  always  a  lad  of  courage 
and  fidelity.  None  of  the  horses  were  shod,  that  being  a  practice 
unknown  to  the  Californians.  The  most  usual  gait  was  a  sweeping 
gallop.  The  first  day  they  ran  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  miles, 
passing  the  San  Fernando  mountain,  the  defile  of  the  Rincon,  se 
veral  other  mountains,  and  slept  at  the  hospitable  rancho  of  Don 
Tomas  Robberis,  beyond  the  town  of  Santa  Barbara.  The  only 
fatigue  complained  of  in  this  day's  ride  was  in  Jacob's  right  arm, 
made  tired  by  throwing  the  lasso  and  using  it  as  a  whip  to  keep 
the  loose  horses  to  the  track. 

"  The  next  day  they  made  another  one  hundred  and  twenty-five 
miles,  passing  the  formidable  mountain  of  Santa  Barbara,  and  count 
ing  upon  it  the  skeletons  of  some  fifty  horses,  part  of  near  double 
that  number  which  perished  in  the  crossing  of  that  terrible  moun 
tain  by  the  California  battalion  on  Christmas  day,  1846,  amidst  a 
raging  tempest,  and  a  deluge  of  rain  and  cold  more  killing  than  that 
of  the  Sierra  Nevada — the  day  of  severest  suffering,  say  Fremont 
and  his  men,  that  they  have  ever  passed.  At  sunset,  the  party 
stopped  to  sup  with  the  friendly  Captain  Dana,  and  at  nine  San 
Luis  Obispo  w^s  reached,  the  home  of  Don  Jesus,  where  an  affect 
ing  reception  awaited  Lieutenant-Colonel  Fremont,  in  consequence 
of  an  incident  which  occurred  there,  that  history  will  one  day  re 
cord  ;*  and  he  was  detained  till  eleven  o'clock  in  the  morning,  re- 

*  This  affecting  incident  is  thus  related  by  Lieutenant  Talbott,  who  ac 
companied  Colonel  Fremont.  Pico  had  headed  an  insurrection,  and  being 
captured  was  condemned  to  death  :— 

"  There  was  no  time  to  lose ;  the  hour  of  twelve,  next  day,  was  fixed 
for  the  execution.  It  was  eleven  o'clock,  and  I  chanced  to  be  in  the 
Colonel's  room,  when  a  lady  with  a  group  of  children,  followed  by  many 
other  ladies,  burst  into  the  room,  throwing  themselves  upon  their  knees, 
and  crying  for  mercy  for  the  father  and  husband.  It  was  the  wife  and 
children  and  friends  of  Pico.  Never  did  I  hear  such  accents  of  grief. 
Never  did  I  witness  such  an  agonizing  scene.  I  turned  my  eye,  for  I  could 
not  look  at  it,  and  soon  heard  from  Colonel  Fremont  (whose  heart  was 
never  formed  to  resist  such  a  scene,)  the  heavenly  word  of  pardon. 

"  Then  the  tumult  of  feeling  took  a  different  turn.  Joy  and  gratitude 
broke  out,  filled  the  room  with  benedictions,  and  spread  to  those  without. 
To  finish  the  scene,  the  condemned  man  was  brought  in,  and  then  I  saw 
the  whole  impulsiveness  and  fire  of  the  Spanish  character,  when  excited 


212  LIEUTL'N  ANT-COLONEL   FREMONT. 

ceiving  the  visits  of  the  inhabitants,  (mothers  and  children  included,) 
taking  a  breakfast  of  honour,  and  waiting  for  a  relief  of  fresh  horses 
to  be  brought  in  from  the  surrounding  country. 

"Here  the  nine  horses  from  Los  Angelos  were  left,  and  eight 
others  taken  in  their  place,  and  a  Spanish  boy  added  to  the  party  to 
assist  in  managing  the  loose  horses.  Proceeding  at  the  usual  gait 
till  eight  at  night,  and  having  made  some  seventy  miles,  Don  Jesus, 
who  had  spent  the  night  before  with  his  family  and  friends,  and 
probably  with  but  little  sleep,  became  fatigued,  and  proposed  a  halt 
for  a  few  hours.  It  was  in  the  valley  of  the  Salinas,  (Salt  river, 
called  Buena  Ventura  in  the  old  maps,)  and  the  haunt  of  marauding 
Indians.  For  safety  during  their  repose,  the  party  turned  off  the 
trace,  issued  through  a  Canada  into  a  thick  wood,  and  lay  down,  the 
horses  being  put  to  grass  at  a  short  distance,  with  the  Spanish  boy 
in  the  saddle  to  watch.  Sleep,  when  commenced,  was  too  sweet  to 
be  easily  given  up,  and  it  was  half  way  between  midnight  and  day 
when  the  sleepers  were  aroused  by  an  estampedo  among  the  horses 
and  the  calls  of  the  boy. 

"  The  cause  of  the  alarm  was  soon  found  ;  not  Indians,  but  white 
bears — this  valley  being  their  great  resort — encountered  some  hun 
dred  of  them  before,  killing  thirteen  upon  the  ground.  The  cha 
racter  of  these  bears  is  well  known,  and  the  bravest  hunters  do  not 
like  to  meet  them  without  the  advantage  of  numbers.  On  discover 
ing  the  enemy  Colonel  Fremont  felt  for  his  pistols,  but  Don  Jesus 
desired  him  to  lay  still,  saying  that  *  people  could  scare  bears,'  and 
immediately  he  hallooed  at  them  in  Spanish,  and  they  went  off. 

by  some  powerful  emotion.  He  had  been  calm,  composed,  quiet,  and  al 
most  silent,  under  his  trial  and  condemnation,  but  at  the  word  pardon,  a 
storm  of  impetuous  feeling  burst  forth,  and  throwing  himself  at  the  feet 
of  Colonel  Fremont,  he  swore  to  him  eternal  fidelity,  and  demanded  the 
privilege  of  going  with  him  and  dying  for  him. 

u  But  it  was  not  all  over  yet  with  Colonel  Fremont.  His  own  men  re 
quired  the  death  of  Pico— he  had  done  so  much  harm,  and  in  fact  was 
the  head  of  the  insurrection  in  that  district,  and  had  broken  his  parole 
The  Colonel  went  among  them,  and  calmed  the  ferment  in  his  own  camp. 
He  quieted  his  own  men ;  but  others,  who  were  not  there,  have  since 
cried  out  for  the  execution  of  Pico,  and  made  his  pardon  an  accusation 
against  Colonel  Fremont.  The  pacified  state  of  the  country  will  answer 
the  accusation,  and  show  that  it  was  a  case  in  which  policy  and  humanity 
went  together." 


FREMONT'S  CELEBRATED  RIDE.  213 

?k)  went  off  also  ;  and  the  recovery  of  the  horses  frightened  by 
the  bears,  building  a  rousing  fire,  making  breakfast  from  the  hospi 
table  supplies  of  San  Luis  Obispo,  occupied  the  party  till  daybreak, 
when  the  journey  was  resumed.  Eighty  miles  and  the  afternoon 
brought  the  party  to  Monterey. 

"  The  next  day,  in  the  afternoon,  the  party  set  out  on  their  return ; 
and  the  two  horses  ridden  by  Colonel  Fremont  from  San  Luis  Obispo 
being  a  present  to  him  from  Don  Jesus,  he  (Don  Jesus)  desired  to 
make  an  experiment  of  what  one  of  them  could  do.  They  were 
brothers,  one  a  grass  younger  than  the  other,  both  of  the  same  colour, 
(cinnamon,)  and  hence  called  el  canalo  or  los  canalos,  (the  cinna 
mon,  or  the  cinnamons.)  The  elder  brother  was  taken  for  the  trial ; 
and  the  journey  commenced  upon  him  at  leaving  Monterey ;  the 
afternoon  well  advanced.  Thirty  miles  under  the  saddle  done  that 
evening,  and  the  party  stopped  for  the  night.  In  the  morning,  the 
elder  canalo  was  again  under  the  saddle  for  Colonel  Fremont,  and 
for  ninety  miles  he  carried  him  without  a  change  and  without  ap 
parent  fatigue.  It  was  still  thirty  miles  to  San  Luis  Obispo,  where 
the  night  was  to  be  passed ;  and  Don  Jesus  insisted  that  canalo 
could  easily  do  it,  and  so  said  the  horse  by  his  looks  and  action. 
But  Colonel  Fremont  would  not  put  him  to  the  'trial ;  and  shifting 
the  saddle  to  the  younger  brother,  the  elder  was  turned  loose  to  run 
the  remaining  thirty  miles  without  a  rider. 

"  He  did  so,  immediately  taking  the  lead  and  keeping  it  all  the 
way,  and  entering  San  Luis  in  a  sweeping  gallop,  nostrils  distended, 
snuffing  the  air,  neighing  with  exultation  of  his  return  to  his  na 
tive  pastures,  his  younger  brother  all  the  while  running  at  the  head 
of  the  horses  under  the  saddle,  bearing  on  his  bit,  and  held  in  by 
his  rider.  The  whole  eight  horses  made  their  one  hundred  and 
twenty  miles  each  that  day,  (after  thirty  the  evening  before)  the 
elder  cinnamon  making  ninety  of  his  under  the  saddle  that  day,  be 
sides  thirty  under  the  saddle  the  evening  before ;  nor  was  there  the 
least  doubt  that  he  would  have  done  the  whole  distance  in  the  same 
time  if  he  had  continued  under  the  saddle. 

"  After  a  hospitable  detention  of  another  half  day  at  San  Luis 
Obispo,  the  party  set  out  for  Los  Angelos  on  the  same  nine  horses 
which  they  had  ridden  from  that  place,  and  made  the  ride  back  in 
about  the  same  time  they  had  made  it  up,  namely,  at  the  rate  of 
one  hundred  and  twenty-five  miles  a  day. 


214  LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   FREMONT. 

"  On  this  ride  the  grass  on  the  road  was  the  food  for  the  horses. 
At  Monterey  they  had  barley;  but  those  horses,  meaning  those 
trained  and  domesticated,  as  the  canalos  were,  eat  almost  anything 
in  the  way  of  vegetable  food,  or  even  drink,  that  their  master  uses, 
by  whom  they  are  petted  and  caressed,  and  rarely  sold.  Bread, 
fruits,  sugar,  coffee,  and  even  wine,  (like  the  Persian  horse,)  they 
take  from  the  hand  of  their  master,  and  obey  with  like  docility  his 
slightest  intimation.  A  tap  of  the  whip  on  the  saddle  springs  them 
into  action ;  and  the  check  of  a  thread  rein  (on  the  Spanish  bit) 
would  stop  them ;  and  stopped  short  at  speed  they  do  not  jostle  the 
rider  or  throw  him  forward.  They  leap  at  any  thing — man,  beast, 
or  weapon,  on  which  their  master  directs  them.  But  this  descrip 
tion,  so  far  as  conduct  or  behaviour  is  concerned,  of  course  only  ap 
plies  to  the  trained  and  domesticated  horse." 


ADJUTANT-GENERAL  JONES. 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JONES. 


BREVET  BRIGADIER-GENERAL  ROGER  JONES,  Adjutant-General  of 
the  United  States'  army,  is  a  native  of  Westmoreland  county,  Vir 
ginia,  and  brother  to  the  distinguished  Commodore  Jones.  After 
receiving  a  good  education,  he  entered  the  army  [January  26th, 
1809]  while  quite  young,  as  a  lieutenant  of  marines,  in  which  capa 
city  he  was  actively  employed  until  July  6th,  1812,  when  he  was 
appointed  a  captain  of  artillery. 

At  the  opening  of  the  campaign  of  1813,  Captain  Jones  joined 
the  regiment  of  Colonel  [General]  Macomb,  at  Greenbush,  where 
was  established  a  camp  of  instruction.  Soon  after,  the  whole  army, 
under  Major-General  Dearborn,  marched  to  Sackett's  Harbour  and 
prepared  for  a  descent  upon  Upper  Canada.  Immediately  after  the 
capture  of  York,  and  in  full  view  of  Fort  Niagara,  Captain  Jones 
received  from  Brigadier-General  Chandler  the  appointment  of 
major  of  brigade,  a  station  for  which  his  high  reputation  as  a  dis 
ciplinarian  and  an  active,  zealous  officer,  eminently  qualified  him. 

In  his  new  capacity,  Captain  Jones  was  actively  and  efficiently 
engaged  in  the  taking  of  Fort  George,  May  27th,  1813 ;  and  eight 
days  afterward  [June  5th]  he  was  with  Brigadier-General  Chandler 
at  the  battle  of  Stony  Creek,  where,  after  displaying  great  bravery, 
he  received  a  severe  wound  from  a  bayonet.  On  the  13th  of  Au 
gust  he  was  transferred  to  the  staff  as  assistant  adjutant-general,  with 
the  brevet  rank  of  major. 

In  the  memorable  campaign  of  1814  on  the  Niagara-  frontier, 
Major  Jones  bore  a  distinguished  part.  At  its  commencement  ne 
was  attached  to  the  staff  of  Major-General  Brown,  commanding  the 
left  division  of  the  army.  He  assisted  in  the  crossing  of  the  Nia 
gara,  and  taking  of  Fort  Erie,  [July  3d,  1814,]  and  was  in  the  battle 

(215) 


216  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JONES. 

of  Chippewa,  July  5th,  1814.  In  his  official  report  of  this  event, 
General  Brown  says :  — 

"Colonel  Gardner,  Major  Jones,"  &c.,  "have  been  as  active, 
and  as  much  devoted  to  the  cause  as  any  officers  of  the  army. 
Their  conduct  merits  my  warmest  acknowledgments ;  of  Gardner 
and  Jones  I  shall  have  occasion  again  to  speak  to  you." 

For  his  "distinguished  services  in  the  battle  of  Chippewa," 
Major  Jones  received  from  President  Madison  the  brevet  rank  of 
major  in  the  corps  of  artillery  to  which  he  belonged. 

In  the  great  battle  of  Niagara,  [July  25th,  1814,]  Major  Jones 
again  acted  well  and  honourably  his  part,  and  received  high  com 
mendation  from  Major-General  Brown.  He  participated  in  the 
battle  of  Fort  Erie  [August  15th,  1814]  under  General  Gaines, 
when  that  post  was  assaulted  by  the  British  under  Lieutenant- 
General  Drummond.  In  his  official  report  of  the  battle,  General 
Gaines  says :  — 

,  "To  Major  Jones,  assistant  adjutant-general,  Major  Hall,"  &c.s 
"  much  credit  is  due  for  their  constant  vigilance  and  strict  attention 
to  every  duty  previous  to  the  action,  and  the  steady  courage,  zeal, 
and  activity,  which  they  manifested  during  the  action." 

Major  Jones  was  engaged  in  the  subsequent  defence  of  Fort  Erie, 
and  sortie  from  the  works,  where  "one  thousand  regulars,"  says 
General  Brown,  "  and  an  equal  number  of  militia,  in  one  hour  of 
close  action,  blasted  the  hopes  of  the  enemy,  destroyed  the  fruits 
of  fifty  days'  labour,  and  diminished  his  effective  force  one  thousand 
men  at  least."  For  his  conduct  in  the  affair  the  major  received 
from  President  Madison  the  further  promotion  of  brevet  lieutenant- 
colonel.  During  the  whole  siege,  he  performed  the  duties  of  adju 
tant-general  (chief  of  staff)  during  the  sickness  of  Colonel  Gardner. 
When  General  Izard's  command  arrived,  he  was  transferred  to  the 
left  division  of  the  army,  and  continued  to  exercise  the  duties  of  his 
office  until  the  close  of  the  campaign  of  1814,  when  the  Americans 
retired  into  winter  quarters  at  Sackett's  Harbour. 

In  June,  1815,  at  the  solicitation  of  General  Brown,  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Jones  joined  the  staff  of  that  officer  as  aid-de-camp  and  adju> 
tant-general.  "When  he  left  the  general's  military  family,  he 
received  from  him  an  elegant  sword  as  a  testimonial  of  his  friendship 
and  gratitude ;  and  a  short  time  previous  to  the  close  of  the  war, 
Generals  Brown,  Porter,  and  Scott  each  addressed  letters  to  the 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JONES.  217 

Secretary  of  War,  [Mr.  Monroe,]  warmly  recommending  Brevet 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Jones  for  the  full  lieutenant-colonelcy  of  the 
24th  infantry. 

'On  the  15th  of  February,  1834,  the  legislature  of  Virginia  voted 
swords  to  Colonel  Jones  and  his  brother  of  the  navy,  as  proofs  of 
esteem  for  their  distinguished  services.  Owing  to  accidental  causes, 
this  testimonial  was  not  presented  to  the  colonel  until  February 
22d,  1841.  pt-4.'.-- 

Brevet  Lieutenant-Colonel  Jones  remained  with  his  company 
from  December,  1815,  until  August,  1818,  and  the  admirable  con 
dition  to  which  he  brought  it  is  still  remembered  in  the  service.  It 
excelled  in  all  that  constitutes  a  model  corps.  August  10th,  1818, 
he  was  appointed  adjutant-general  of  the  Northern  Division,  with 
the  "brevet  rank  of  colonel.  He  remained  in  this  capacity  until 
1821,  when,  notwithstanding  the  reduction  of  the  army,  he  was 
retained  with  his  full  lineal  rank,  and  assigned  to  the  3d  regiment 
of  artillery.  While  yet  a  captain  in  the  line,  he  was  appointed 
[March  7th,  1825]  adjutant-general  of  the  United  States'  army, 
with  the  rank  of  colonel.  On  the  17th  of  February,  1827,  he  was 
promoted  as  major  of  the  2d  artillery  in  the  regular  line.  In  1829 
he  received  the  brevet  of  colonel,  [ranking  from  September  17th, 
1824,]  and  on  June  17th,  1832,  he  was  raised  to  brevet  brigadier- 
general,  which  rank  he  now  holds  in  the  military  service. 

In  October,  1844,  Brigadier-General  Jones,  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Mason,  and  Governor  Butler,  Cherokee  Agent,  were  constituted  by 
the  President  a  commission  to  the  Cherokees,  in  order  to  invest  and 
report  upon  the  causes  and  extent  of  the  discontents  and  difficulties 
among  them.  The  report  which,  as  president  of  the  commission, 
General  Jones  drew  up,  was  able  and  conclusive,  eventuating  in  the 
formal  pacification  of  the  Indians. 

General  Jones  has  now  been  adjutant-general  of  the  army  foi 
more  than  twenty  years.  A  glance  at  the  army  regulations  will 
show,  that  his  office  is  one  of  the  principal  military  bureaus  of  the 
war  department.  Its  civil  and  ministerial  relations  to  the  head  of 
the  department  are  numerous,  weighty,  and  often  confidential; 
whilst  in  all  organizations  of  the  general  staff  of  the  army,  it  occu 
pies  a  position,  as  regards  matters  purely  military,  of  the  first  im 
portance.  As  the  chief  of  staff  to  the  commander  of  the  army,  the 
adjutant-general  is  charged  with  all  orders,  military  correspondence, 
19 


218  BRIGADIER-GENERAL   JONES.  %. 

&c.  And  it  should  be  remembered  that  the  amount  of  business 
connected  with  his  office,  which  had  been  more  than  quadrupled 
since  the  war  of  1812,  has  been  vastly  augmented  during  our  dis 
pute  with  Mexico. 

How  General  Jones  has  sustained  the  heavy  pressure  of  official 
business,  how  faithfully  and  intelligently  he  has  performed  his  duty 
to  the  army  and  the  country,  is  well  known.  No  officer  stands 
higher  in  the  estimation  of  those  who  are  best  able  to  form  a  correct 
judgment  of  his  character  and  services.  The  successive  chief  ma 
gistrates  of  the  nation,  the  various  secretaries  of  war  and  generals- 
in-chief,  and  the  records  of  Congress  during  the  last  twenty  years, 
have  all  testified  to  his  official  worth  and  the  value  of  his  labours. 

During  the  Florida  war  and  other  Indian  outbreaks,  together  with 
the  troubles  on  our  northern  and  north-eastern  borders,  the  labours 
of  General  Jones  have  been  great ;  but  the  country  is  especially  in 
debted  to  him,  for  his  able,  zealous,  and  unremitting  services,  during 
the  war  with  Mexico.  The  increase  of  the  regular  army  to  more 
than  double  its  previous  number ;  the  raising,  organizing,  and  send 
ing  to  the  field  fifty  thousand  volunteers ;  the  legislation  necessary 
to  meet  the  change  from  peace  to  war,  and  to  place  the  enlarged 
military  establishment  upon  the  proper  basis  ;  the  voluminous  and 
highly  important  orders  and  correspondence  indispensable  to  such  a 
state  of  affairs,  has  each  received  due  attention  at  his  hands.  And 
no  small  share  of  the  efficiency  of  our  armies  in  Mexico  results  from 
the  skilful  administration  of  Adjutant-General  Jones. 


LIEUTENANT  CHRISTOPHER  CARSON 


LIEUTENANT  CHRISTOPHER  CARSON. 


THE  famous  Christopher  Carson  was  born  in  Kentucky,  in 
1810,  but  in  the  following  year  his  father  removed,  and  settled  in 
Missouri.  In  this  wilderness  young  Carson  remained  until  he  ar 
rived  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  when  he  joined  a  trading  party  destined 
for  Santa  Fe.  After  roaming  over  the  vast  plains  beyond  the  Mis 
souri,  he  reached  New  Mexico  after  various  adventures,  and  was 
employed  as  teamster  in  the  copper  mines  of  Chihuahua. 

When  seventeen  years  old,  he  made  his  first  expedition  as  a 
trapper.  The  party  proceeded  to  the  Rio  Colorado  (California), 
met  with  numerous  hardships  and  adventures,  and  had  several  bat 
tles  with  the  Indians.  It  returned,  however,  safely  to  Taos,  New 
Mexico ;  and  soon  after  "Kit"  joined  another  party,  to  visit  the  head 
waters  of  the  Arkansas.  After  this  he  passed  eight  years  as  a  trap 
per  among  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  in  Oregon.  Here  he  became 
noted  as  a  successful  hunter,  an  unfailing  shot,  an  unerring  guide, 
and  a  brave,  sagacious,  and  steady  warrior.  At  one  time,  with  a 
party  of  twelve,  he  tracked  a'band  of  nearly  sixty  Crows,  who  had 
stolen  some  of  their  horses ;  cut  loose  the  animals,  which  were  tied 
within  ten  feet  of  a  strong  log  fort  belonging  to  the  Indians,  attacked 
them  and  made  good  his  retreat  with  the  horses — a  friendly  Indian 
bringing  away  a  Crow  scalp  as  a  trophy.  In  a  combat  with  the 
Blackfeet  Indians,  Carson  received  a  rifle-ball  in  his  left  shoulder, 
breaking  it ;  but  excepting  this  he  has  escaped  the  manifold  dan 
gers  to  which  he  has  been  exposed  without  serious  injury. 

Colonel  Fremont  owed  his  good  fortune  in  procuring  Carson's 
services,  to  an  accidental  meeting  on  a  steamboat  above  St.  Louis— 
neither  having  ever  before  heard  of  the  other.  It  was  at  the  com 
mencement  of  Fremont's  first  expedition.  Carson  continued  with 

(219) 


220  LIEUTENANT   CARSON.  Ifc. 

it  until,  in  its  return,  it  had  recrossed  the  mountains.  His  courage, 
fidelity,  and  excellent  character,  so  far  conciliated  the  good  will  of 
the  commander,  that  in  his  second  expedition  he  gladly  availed 
himself  again  of  Kit's  services,  on  meeting  with  him,  as  he  chanced 
to  do,  on  the  confines  of  New  Mexico.  Kit  again  left  the  party 
after  its  arrival  this  side  of  the  mountains — not,  however,  until  Fre 
mont  had  obtained  a  promise  from  him  to  join  the  third  expedition 
in  case  one  should  be  organized.  Some  incidents  will  be  interest 
ing,  connected  with  this  latter  expedition,  which  was  interrupted  in 
Us  purely  scientific  character,  by  the  hostility  of  the  Mexican 
chief  (Castro),  compelling  Fremont  to  change  his  peaceful  employ 
ment. 

In  the  interim  between  Fremont's  second  and  third  expeditions, 
Carson  had  settled  himself  near  Taos,  and  had  begun  to  farm,  pre 
paring  to  lead  a  quiet  life,  when  he  received  a  note  from  Fremont, 
written  at  Bent's  Fort,  reminding  him  of  his  promise,  and  telling 
him  he  would  there  wait  for  him.  In  four  days  from  receiving  the 
note,  Carson  had  joined  the  party,  having  sold  house  and  farm  for 
less  than  half  the  sum  he  had  just  expended  upon  it,  and  put  his 
family  under  the  protection  of  his  friend,  the  late  Governor  Bent, 
until  he  should  return  from  a  certainly  long  and  dangerous  journey. 
This  protection,  unfortunately,  was  taken  from  them  in  the  late 
massacre  at  Taos,  when  Carson's  brother-in-law  was  also  one  of  the 
victims  to  the  fury  of  the  Mexicans  against  all  connected  with  the 
Americans.  Mrs.  Carson  saved  her  life  by  flight,  leaving  them  to 
rob  the  -house  of  every  thing. 

The  route  of  the  third  expedition  led  the  party  to  the  southern 
and  western  side  of  the  great  Salt  Lake  —  a  region  entirely  unex 
plored,  and  filled,  according  to  the  superstitions  and  tales  current 
among  the  Indians  and  trappers  of  the  mountains,  with  all  imagina 
ble  horrors.  A  vast  desert,  void  of  vegetation  and  fresh  water, 
abounding  in  quicksands  and  in  brackish  pools  and  rivers,  with  only 
subterranean  outlets.  The  southern  border  of  the  lake  was  found 
to  be  skirted  with  a  salt  plain  of  about  sixty  miles  in  width.  Over 
this,  as  elsewhere,  Carson,  in  his  capacity  of  scout,  was  always  with 
the  advance  party,  to  search  for  water  and  convenient  places  for 
camp — the  usual  signal  of  the  prairies,  a  fire,  serving,  by  its  column 
of  smoke,  to  point  out  where  the  advance  were  halting. 

When  Fremont's  party,  in  May,  1846  (not  knowing  of  the  exist 


FIGHT   WITH   THE   TLAMATH   INDIANS.  221 

ence  of  the  war  with  Mexico),  retired  from  California,  they  pro 
ceeded  north  as  far  as  the  Tlamath  lake,  in  Oregon,  proposing  to 
explore  a  new  route  into  the  Willhameth  valley. 

A  courier  having  reached  Colonel  Fremont  there,  to  say  that 
Mr.  Gillespie  and  five  men  were  endeavouring  to  overtake  him,  he 
took  ten  men  and  returned  sixty  miles  with  the  courier ;  making 
all  haste  in  order  to  reach  them  before  night,  and  prevent  any  attack 
which  the  Indians  might  be  tempted  to  make  on  a  small  party. 
The  events  of  that  night  and  the  days  following  illustrate  so  fully 
the  nightly  danger  of  an  Indian  country,  and  the  treacherous  nature 
of  savages,  that  they  will  be  given  in  Carson's  own  words : 

"This  was  the  only  night  in  all  our  travels,  except  the  one  night 
on  the  island  in  the  Salt  Lake,  that  we  failed  to  keep  guard  ;  and  as 
the  men  were  so  tired,  and  we  expected  no  attack  now  that  we  had 
sixteen  in  the  party,  the  colonel  didn't  like  to  ask  it  of  them,  but  sat 
up  late  himself.  Owens  and  I  were  sleeping  together,  and  we  were 
waked  at  the  same  time  by  the  licks  of  the  axe  that  killed  our  men. 
At  first,  I  didn't  know  it  was  that ;  but  I  called  to  Basil,  who  was 
that  side — '  What 's  the  matter  there  ? — what 's  that  fuss  about  ?' — 
he  never  answered,  for  he  was  dead  then,  poor  fellow,  and  he  never 
knew  what  killed  him — his  head  had  been  cut  in,  in  his  sleep  ;  the 
other  groaned  a  little  as  he  died.  The  Delawares  (we  had  four 
with  us)  were  sleeping  at  that  fire,  and  they  sprang  up  as  the  Tla- 
maths  charged  them.  One  of  them  caught  up  a  gun,  which  was 
unloaded  ;  but,  although  he  could  do  no  execution,  he  kept  them  at 
bay,  fighting  like  a  soldier,  and  didn't  give  up  until  he  was  shot 
full  of  arrows — three  entering  his  heart;  he  died  bravely.  As  soon 
as  I  had  called  out,  I  saw  it  was  Indians  in  the  camp,  and  I  and 
Owens  together  cried  out '  Indians.'  There  were  no  orders  given  ; 
things  went  on  too  fast,  and  the  colonel  had  men  with  him  that 
didn't  need  to  be  told  their  duty.  The  colonel  and  I,  Maxwell, 
Owens,  Godey,  and  Stepp,  jumped  together,  we  six,  and  ran  to  the 
assistance  of  our  Delawares.  I  don't  know  who  fired  and  who 
didn't;  but  I  think  it  was  Stepp's  shot  that  killed  the  Tlamath 
chief;  for  it  was  at  the  crack  of  Stepp's  gun  that  he  fell.  He  had 
an  English  half  axe  slung  to  his  wrist  by  a  cord,  and  there  were 
forty  arrows  left  in  his  quiver  —  the  most  beautiful  and  warlike  ar 
rows  I  ever  saw.  He  must  have  been  the  bravest  man  among 
them,  from  the  way  he  was  armed,  and  judging  by  his  cap.  When 
19*  Y 


222  LIEUTENANT   CARSON. 

the  Tlamaths  saw  him  fall,  they  ran  ;  but  we  lay,  every  man  with 
his  rifle  cocked,  until  daylight,  expecting  another  attack. 

"In  the  morning  we  found  by  the  tracks  that  from  fifteen  to 
twenty  of  the  Tlamaths  had  attacked  us.  They  had  killed  three 
of  our  men,  and  wounded  one  of  the  Delawares,  who  scalped  the 
chief,  whom  we  left  where  he  fell.  Our  dead  men  we  carried  on 
mules;  but,  after  going  about  ten  miles,  we  found  it  impossible  to 
get  them  any  farther  through  the  thick  timber,  and,  finding  a  secret 
place,  we  buried  them  under  logs  and  chunks,  having  no  way  to 
dig  a  grave.  It  was  only  a  few  days  before  this  fight  that  some  of 
these  same  Indians  had  come  into  our  camp ;  and,  although  we  had 
only  meat  for  two  days,  and  felt  sure  that  we  should  have  to  eat 
mules  for  ten  or  fifteen  days  to  come,  the  colonel  divided  with  them, 
and  even  had  a  mule  unpacked  to  give  them  some  tobacco  and 
knives." 

The  party  then  retraced  its  way  into  California,  and  two  days 
after  this  rencontre  they  met  a  large  village  of  Tlamaths — more  than 
a  hundred  warriors.  Carson  was  ahead  with  ten  men,  but  one  of 
them  having  been  discovered,  he  could  not  follow  his  orders,  which 
were  to  send  back  word  and  let  Fremont  come  up  with  the  rest  in 
case  they  found  Indians.  But  as  they  had  been  seen,  it  only  re 
mained  to  charge  the  village,  which  they  did,  killing  many,  and 
putting  the  rest  to  flight.  The  women  and  children,  Carson  says, 
we  didn't  interfere  with ;  but  burnt  the  village,  together  with 
&.*ir  canoes  and  fishing-nets.  In  a  subsequent  encounter  the  same 
day,  Carson's  life  was  imminently  exposed.  As  they  gallopped  up, 
he  was  rather  in  advance,  when  he  observed  an  Indian  fixing  his 
arrow  to  let  fly  at  him.  Carson  levelled  his  rifle,  but  it  snapped, 
und  in  an  instant  the  arrow  would  have  pierced  him,  had  not  Fre 
mont,  seeing  the  danger,  dashed  his  horse  on  the  Indian  and  knocked 
feim  down. 

The  hostile  and  insulting  course  of  Castro  drew  Fremont  into 
retaliatory  measures ;  and,  aided  by  the  American  settlers,  he  pur 
sued  the  Mexicans  for  some  time  ;  but  being  unable  to  make  them 
stand  and  fight,  they  always  flying  before  him,  the  flag  of  indepen 
dence  was  raised  at  Sonoma,  on  the  5th  of  July,  1846.  Learning 
soon  after  of  the  existence  of  the  war,  the  American  flag  was 
promptly  substituted,  and  the  party  proceeded  to  Monterey,  where 
they  found  the  fleet  under  Commodore  Sloat  already  in  possession. 


FURTHER   OPERATIONS   IN    CALIFORNIA.  223 

Castro,  with  his  forces,  had  retreated  before  Fremont,  and,  to  pre 
vent  their  escape  into  Sonora,  Colonel  Fremont  with  a  hundred  and 
sixty  men,  was  offered  the  sloop  of  war  Cyane  to  carry  them  down 
to  San  Diego  and  facilitate  the  pursuit,  as  he  hoped  by  that  means 
to  intercept  Castro  at  Pueblo  de  los  Angelos.  Then  Carson,  for  the 
first  time,  saw  the  blue  ocean,  and  the  great  vessels  that,  like  white- 
winged  birds,  spread  their  sails  above  its  waters.  The  vast  prairies, 
whose  immense  green  surface  has  been  aptly  likened  to  the  sea, 
together  with  all  objects  ever  seen  upon  it,  were  familiar  to  him ; 
but  it  proved  no  preparation  for  actual  salt  water,  and  the  pride  and 
strength  of  the  backwoodsmen  were  soon  humbled  by  the  customary 
tribute  to  Neptune.  The  forces  were  landed,  and  raised  the  flag  at 
San  Diego,  and  then  they  proceeded  jointly  to  the  capital,  Ciudad 
de  los  Angelos,  where,  although  from  the  detention  at  sea,  Castro 
had  escaped,  American  authority  was  also  established. 

From  this  point,  on  the  1st  of  September,  1846,  Carson,  with 
fifteen  men,  was  despatched  by  Fremont  with  an  account  *of  the 
progress  and  state  of  affairs  in  that  distant  conquest.  Carson  was  to 
have  made  the  journey  from  Puebla  to  Washington  city  and  back 
in  one  hundred  and  forty  days.  He  pushed  ahead  accordingly,  not 
stopping  even  for  game,  but  subsisting  on  his  mules,  of  which  they 
made  food  as  the  animals  broke  down  in  the  rapidity  of  the  journey. 
He  had  crossed  the  wilderness,  as  he  expected,  in  thirty  days, 
when,  meeting  with  General  Kearny's  company,  within  a  few  days 
of  Santa  Fe,  he  was  turned  back  by  that  officer,  to  whose  orders  he 
believed  himself  subject,  and  with  infinite  reluctance  resigned  his 
despatches  to  another,  and  returned  to  guide  Kearny's  command 
into  California. 

General  Kearny  entered  California  without  molestation  until  the 
fight  of  San  Pascual ;  an  official  account  of  which  has  been  pub 
lished.  In  the  charge  made  upon  the  Mexicans,  Carson,  as  usual, 
was  among  the  foremost,  when,  as  he  approached  within  bullet- 
range  of  the  enemy,  who  were  drawn  up  in  order  of  battle,  his  horse 
stumbled  and  fell,  pitching  him  over  his  head,  and  breaking  his 
rifle  in  twain.  Seizing  a  knife,  he  advanced  on  foot,  until  he  found 
a  killed  dragoon,  whose  rifle  he  took,  and  was  pressing  on,  when  he 
met  the  mounted  men  returning  from  the  charge,  the  Mexicans  hav 
ing  gallopped  off.  At  the  instance  of  Carson,  the  American  party 
then  took  possession  of  a  small  rocky  hill,  near  the  scene  of  the  bat 


224  LIEUTENANT   CARSON. 

tie,  as  the  strongest  position  in  reach.  Not  being  in  a  situation  to 
go  forward,  they  encamped  here ;  and  the  enemy  collecting  in 
force,  they  remained  in  a  state  of  siege.  There  was  little  of  grass 
or  water  on  the  hill,  and  soon  both  animals  and  men  began  to  suffer. 
The  way  was  so  thickly  beset  with  the  enemy,  that  the  commander 
doubted  the  propriety  of  attempting  to  cut  a  passage  through,  when, 
after  a  four  days'  siege,  Carson  and  Passed  Midshipman  Beale,  of 
the  navy  (who  had  been  sent  to  meet  Kearny,  with  some  thirty 
men,  as  a  complimentary  escort  to  San  Diego),  volunteered  to  go  to 
Commodore  Stockton,  at  that  place,  and  bring  a  reinforcement. 

Leaving  the  frontier  settlements  of  California  on  the  25th  of  Feb- 
'ruary,  Carson  arrived  in  St.  Louis  about  the  middle  of  May — . 
making  the  journey,  notwithstanding  the  inclemency  of  the  season, 
and  an  unavoidable  detention  of  ten  days  at  Santa  Fe,  in  a  shorter 
time  than  it  was  ever  before  accomplished. 

Carson  subsequently  visited  Washington,  where  he  received  from 
President  Polk  a  commission  of  lieutenant  in  Fremont's  rifle  regi 
ment,  in  reward  for  his  num'  rous  services. 


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CYRUS  MASON,  D.  D.,  "  «  «  « 

THOS.  M'AULEY,  D.  D.,  "  "  «  « 

JOHN  WOODBRIDGE,  D.  D.,     «  «  «  «  " 

THOS.  DEWITT,  D.  D.,  «  Dutch  Ref.        "  « 

E.  W.  BALDWIN,  D.  D.,  «•  «  « 

Rev.  J.  M.  M'KREBS,  «  Presbyterian      "  * 

Rev.  ERSKINE  MASON,  "  "  « 

Rev.  J.  S.  SPENCER,  «  "  "         Brooklyn. 

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JOHN  M'DOWELL,  D.  D.,  Permanent  " 

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LEONARD  WOODS,  D.  D.,  Professor  of  Theology,  Andover  Seminary. 

THOS.  H.  SKINNER,  D.  D.,        "  Sac.  Rhet.        « 

Rev.  RALPH  EMERSON,  "  Eccl.  Hist.        "  " 

Rev.  JOEL  PARKER,  Pastor  of  Presbyterian  Church,  New  Orleans. 

JOEL  HAWES,  D.  D.,      "  Congregational  Church,  Hartford,  Conn. 

N.  S.  S.  BEAMAN,  D.  D.,  «  Presbyterian  Church,  Troy,  X.  Y. 

MARK  TUCKER,  D.  D., "  >  .« -.-...          »  «        « 

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Rev.  STEPHEN  MASON,  Pastor  First  Congregational  Church,  Nantucket. 

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From  the  Professors  at  Princeton  Theological  Seminary. 

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Holy  Bible. 

THE  ENGRAVINGS 

in  this  volume,  it  is  believed,  will  form  no  small  part  of  its  attractions.  No  pains  have  been  spared 
to  procure  such  as  should  embellish  the  work,  and,  at  the  same  time,  illustrate  the  text.  Objec 
tions  that  have  been  made  to  the  pictures  commonly  introduced  into  the  Bible,  as  being  mere  crea 
tions  of  fancy  and  the  imagination,  often  unlike  nature,  and  frequently  conveying  false  impressions, 
cannot  be  urged  against  the  pictorial  illustrations  of  this  volume.  Here  the  fine  arts  are  made 
subservient  to  utility,  the  landscape  views  being,  without  an  exception,  matter-of-fact  views  of  places 
mentioned  in  Scripture,  as  they  appear  at  the  present  day ;  thus  in  many  instances  exhibiting,  in  the 
most  forcible  manner,  to  the  eye,  the  strict  and  literal  fulfilment  of  the  remarkable  prophecies ;  "  the 
present  ruined  and  desolate  condition  of  the  cities  of  Babylon,  Nineveh,  Selah,  <kc.,  and  the  coun 
tries  of  Edom  and  Egypt,  are  astonishing  examples,  and  no  completely  exemplify,  in  the  most 
minute  particulars,  every  thing  which  was  foretold  of  them  in  the  height  of  their  prosperity,  that 
no  better  description  can  now  be  given  of  them  than  a  simple  quotation  from  a  chapter  and  verse 
of  the  Bible  written  nearly  two  or  three  thousand  years  ago."  The  publishers  are  enabled  to  select 
from  several  collections  lately  published  in  London,  the  proprietor  of  one  of  which  says  that "  seve 
ral  distinguished  travellers  have  afforded  him  the  use  of  nearly  Three  Hundred  Orioinal  Sketches" 
of  Scripture  places,  made  upon  the  spot.  "  The  land  of  Palestine,  it  is  well  known,  abounds  in 
scenes  of  the  most  picturesque  beauty.  Syria  comprehends  the  snowy  heights  of  Lebanon,  and  the 
majestic  ruins  of  Tadmor  and  Baalbec." 
The  above  work  can  be  had  in  various  styles  of  binding. 

Price  from  $1  50  to  $5  00. 

THE  ILLUSTRATED  CONCORDANCE, 

In  one  volume,  royal  8vo. 

A  new,  full,  and  complete  Concordance ;  illustrated  with  monumental,  traditional,  and  oriental 
engravings,  founded  on  Butterworth's,  with  Cruden's  definitions ;  forming,  it  is  believed,  on  many 
accounts,  a  more  valuable  work  than  either  Butterworth,  Cruden,  or  any  other  similar  book  in  the 
language. 

The  value  of  a  Concordance  is  now  generally  understood  ;  and  those  who  have  used  one,  con 
sider  it  indispensable  in  connection  with  the  Bible.  Some  of  the  many  advantages  the  Illustrated 
Concordance  has  over  all  the  others,  are,  that  it  contains  near  two  hundred  appropriate  engravings  : 
it  is  printed  on  fine  white  paper,  with  beautiful  large  type. 

Price  One  Dollar. 
4 


LIPPINCOTT,  GRAMBO  &  CO. '8  PUBLICATIONS. 
LIPPINCOTT'S  EDITION  OF 

BAGSTER'S  COMPREHENSIVE  BIBLE, 

In  order  to  develope  the  peculiar  nature  of  the  Comprehensive  Bible,  it  will  only  be  necessary 
to  embrace  its  more  prominent  features. 

1st.  The  SACRED  TEXT  is  that  of  the  Authorized  Version,  and  is  printed  from  the  edition  cor 
rected  and  improved  by  Dr.  Blaney,  which,  from  its  accuracy,  is  considered  the  standard  edition. 

2d.  The  VARIOUS  READINGS  are  faithfully  printed  from  the  edition  of  Dr.  Blaney,  inclusive 
of  the  translation  of  the  proper  names,  without  the  addition  or  diminution  of  one. 

3d.  In  the  CHRONOLOGY,  great  care  has  been  taken  to  fix  the  date  of  the  particular  transac 
tions,  which  has  seldom  been  done  with  any  degree  of  exactness  in  any  former  edition  of  the  Bible. 

4th.  The  NOTES  are  exclusively  philological  and  explanatory,  and  are  not  tinctured  with  senti 
ments  of  any  sect  or  party.  They  are  selected  from  the  most  eminent  Biblical  critics  and  com 
mentators. 

It  is  hoped  that  this  edition  of  the  Holy  Bible  will  be  found  to  contain  the  essence  of  Biblical 
research  and  criticism,  that  lies  dispersed  through  an  immense  number  of  volumes. 

Such  is  the  nature  and  design  of  this  edition  of  the  Sacred  Volume,  which,  from  the  various 
objects  it  embraces,  the  freedom  of  its  pages  from  all  sectarian  peculiarities,  and  the  beauty,  plain 
ness,  and  correctness  of  the  typography,  that  it  cannot  fail  of  proving  acceptable  and  useful  to 
Christians  of  every  denomination. 

In  addition  to  the  usual  references  to  parallel  passages,  which  are  quite  full  and  numerous,  the 
student  has  all  the  marginal  readings,  together  with  a  rich  selection  of  Philoloaical,  Critical,  Histo 
rical,  Geographical,  and  other  valuable  notes  and  remarks,  which  explain  and  illustrate  the  sacred 
text.  Besides  the  general  introduction,  containing  valuable  essays  on  the  genuineness,  authenticity, 
and  inspiration  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  other  topics  of  interest,  there  are  introductory  and  con 
cluding  remarks  to  each  book— a  table  of  the  contents  of  the  Bible,  by  which  the  different  portions 
are  so  arranged  as  to  read  in  an  historical  order. 

Arranged  at  the  top  of  each  page  is  the  period  in  which  the  prominent  events  of  sacred  history 
took  place.  The  calculations  are  made  for  the  year  of  the  world  before  and  after  Christ,  Julian 
Period,  the  year  of  the  Olympiad,  the  year  of  the  building  of  Rome,  and  other  notations  of  time. 
At  the  close  is  inserted  a  Chronological  Index  of  the  Bible,  according  to  the  computation  of  Arch 
bishop  Ussher.  Also,  a  full  and  valuable  index  of  the  subjects  contained  in  the  Old  and  New  Testa 
ments,  with  a  careful  analysis  and  arrangement  of  texts  under  their  appropriate  subjects. 

Mr.  Greenfield,  the  editor  of  this  work,  and  for  some  time  previous  to  his  death  the  superintend 
ent  of  the  editorial  department  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  was  a  most  extraordinary 
man.  In  editing  the  Comprehensive  Bible,  his  varied  and  extensive  learning  was  called  into  suc 
cessful  exercise,  and  appears  in  happy  combination  with  sincere  piety  and  a  sound  judgment.  The 
Editor  of  the  Christian  Observer,  alluding  to  this  work,  in  an  obituary  notice  of  its  author,  speaks 
of  it  as  a  work  of  "  prodigious  labour  and  research,  at  once  exhibiting  his  varied  talents  and  pro 
found  erudition." 

LIPPINCOTT'S  EDITION  OF 

THE  OX70RD  QUARTO  BIBLE. 

The  Publishers  have  spared  neither  care  nor  expense  in  their  edition  of  the  Bible ;  it  is  printed 
tn  the  finest  white  vellum  paper,  with  large  and  beautiful  type,  and  bound  in  the  most  substantial 
and  splendid  manner,  in  the  following  styles :  Velvet,  with  richly  gilt  ornaments ;  Turkey  super 
extra,  with  gilt  clasps ;  and  in  numerous  others,  to  suit  the  taste  of  the  most  fastidious. 

OPINIONS    OF   THE   PRESS. 

"Tn  our  opinion,  the  Christian  public  generally  will  feel  under  great  obligations  to  the  publishers 
of  this  work  for  the  beautiful  taste,  arrangement,  and  delicate  neatness  with  which  they  have  got 
it  out.  The  intrinsic  merit  of  the  Bible  recommends  itself;  it  needs  no  tinsel  ornament  to  adorn 
its  sacred  pages.  In  this  edition  every  superfluous  ornament  has  been  avoided,  and  we  have  pre 
sented  us  a  perfectly  chaste  specimen  of  the  Bible,  without  note  or  comment.  It  appears  to  be  just 
what  is  needed  in  every  family — '  the  unsophisticated  word  of  God.' 

"  The  size  is  quarto,  printed  with  beautiful  type,  on  white,  sized  vellum  paper,  of  the  finest  texture 
anil  most  beautiful  surface.  The  publishers  seem  to  have  been  solicitous  to  make  a  perfectly 
unique  book,  and  they  have  accomplished  the  object  very  successfully.  We  trust  that  a  liberal 
community  will  afford  them  ample  remuneration  for  all  the  expense  and  outlay  they  have  necessa 
rily  incurred  in  its  publication.  It  is  a  standard  Bible. 

"The  publishers  are  Messrs.  Lippiucott,  Grambo  &  Co.,  No.  14  North  Fourth  street,  Philadel 
phia."  —  Baptist  Record. 

"A  Deautiful  quarto  edition  of  the  Bible,  by  L.,  G.  &  Co.  Nothing  can  exceed  the  type  in  clear 
ness  and  beauty;  the  paper  is  of  the  finest  texture,  and  the  whole  execution  is  exceedingly  neat. 
No  illustrations  or  ornamental  type  are  used.  Those  who  prefer  a  Bible  executed  in  perfect  sim 
plicity,  yet  elegance  of  style,  without  adornment,  will  probably  never  find  one  more  to  their  taste." 
—  M.  Magazine. 


LIPFINCOTT,  GRAMBO  &  CO.'S  PUBLICATIONS. 
LIPPINCOTT'S  EDITIONS  OF 

THE    HOLY    BIBLE. 

SIX   DIFFERENT   SIZES, 

Printed  in  the  best  niauiier,  with  beautiful  type,  on  the  linest  sized  paper,  and  bound  in  the  most 
splendid  and  substantial  styles.  Warranted  to  be  correct,  anil  equal  to  the  best  English  editions,  at 
much  less  price.  To  be  had  with  or  without  plates ;  the  publishers  having  supplied  themselves  with 
over  fifty  steel  engravings,  by  the  first  artists. 

Baxter's  Comprehensive  Bible, 

Royal  quarto,  containing  the  various  readings  and  marginal  notes ;  disquisitions  on  the  genuineness, 
authenticity,  and  inspiration  of  the  Holy  Scriptures;  introductory  and  concluding  remarks  to  each 
book ;  philological  and  explanatory  notes ;  table  of  contents,  arranged  in  historical  order ;  a  chro 
nological  index,  and  various  other  matter;  forming  a  suitable  book  for  the  study  of  clergymen, 
Sabbath-school  teachers,  and  students. 

In  neat  plain  binding,  from  $4  00  to  $5  00.  —In  Turkey  morocco,  extra,  gilt  edges,  from  $8  00  to 
$12  00.  —  In  do.,  with  splendid  plates.  $10  00  to  $15  00.  —In  do.,  bevelled  side,  gilt  clasps  and  illu 
minations,  $15  00  to  $25  00. 

Tlie  Oxford  Quarto  Bible, 

Without  note  or  comment,  universally  admitted  to  be  the  most  beautiful  Bible  extant. 
In  neat  plain  binding,  from  $4  00  to  $5  00.  —  In  Turkey  morocco,  extra,  gilt  edges,  $8  00  to  $12  00- 
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Crown  Octavo  Bible, 

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with  gilt  ornaments,  $5  00  to  $10  00. 

The  Sunday-School  Teacher's  Polyglot  Bible,  with  Maps,  &c., 

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ments,  $3  50  to  $8  CO. 

The  Oxford  18mo.,  or  Pew  Bible, 

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ments,  $3  50  to  $8  00. 

Agate  32mo.  Bible, 

Printed  with  larger  type  than  any  other  small  or  pocket  edition  extant. 

In  neat  plain  binding,  from  50  cents  to  $1  00.  —  In  tucks,  or  pocket-book  style,  75  cents  to  $1  00.  - 
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gilt  clasps,  $2  50  to  $3  50. —In  velvet,  with  rich  gilt  ornaments,  $3  00  to  $7  00. 

32 mo.  Diamond  Pocket  Bible; 

The  neatest,  smallest,  and  cheapest  edition  of  the  Bible  published 

In  neat  plain  binding,  from  30  to  50  cents.— In  tucks,  or  pocket-book  style,  60  cents  to  $1  00.— 
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CONSTANTLY  ON  HAND, 

A  large  assortment  of  BIBLES,  bound  in  the  most  splendid  and  costly  styles,  with  gold  and  silver 
ornaments,  suitable  for  presentation ;  ranging  in  price  from  $10  00  to  $100  00. 
A  liberal  discount  made  to  Booksellers  and  Agents  by  the  Publishers. 

ENCYCLOP/EDIA  OF  RELIGIOUS  KNOWLEDGE; 

OR,  DICTIONARY  OF  THE  BIBLE,  THEOLOGY,  RELIGIOUS  BIOGRAPHY,  ALL  RELIGIONS, 
ECCLESIASTICAL  HISTORY,  AND  MISSIONS. 

Designed  as  a  complete  Book  of  Reference  on  all  Religious  Subjects,  and  Companion  to  the  Bible; 
forming  a  cheap  and  compact  Library  of  Religious  Knowledge.  Edited  by  Rev.  J.  Newton  Brown. 
Illustrated  by  wood-cuts,  maps,  and  engravings  on  copper  and  steel.  In  one  volume,  royal  8vo. 
Price,  $4  00. 

6 


LIPPINCOTT,  GRAMBO  &  CO.'S  PUBLICATIONS. 

Lippincott's  Standard  Editions  of 

THE  BOOK  OF  COMMON  PRAYER, 

IN   SIX  DIFFERENT  SIZES, 

ILLUSTRATED  WITH  A  NUMBER  OF  STEEL  PLATES  AND  ILLUMINATIONS. 

COMPREHENDING    THE    MOST    VARIED    AND     SPLENDID    ASSORTMENT    IN    THE 

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8vo. 

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A    BEAUTIFUL    EDITION,    WITH    LARGE    TYPE. 

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THE  BIBLE  AND   PRAYER-BOOK, 

In  one  neat  and  portable  volume. 

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extra,  $1  75  to  $3  00.  Also,  with  clasps,  velvet,  <fcc.  &c, 

The  Errors  of  Modern  Infidelity  Illustrated  and  Refuted. 

BY  S.  3VI.  SOHMUCKER,  A.  M. 
In  one  volume,  12mo. ;  cloth.     Just  published. 

We  cannot  but  regard  this  work,  in  whatever  lisrht.  we  view  it  in  reference  to  its  design,  as  one 
of  the  most  masterly  productions  of  the  age,  and  filted  to  uproot  one  of  the  most  fondly  cherished 
and  dangerous  of  all  ancient  or  modern  errors.  God  must  bless  such  a  work,  armed  with  his  own 
truth,  and  doing  fierce  and  successful  battle  against  black  infidelity,  which  would  bring  His  Majesty 
and  Word  down  to  the  tribunal  of  human  reason,  for  condemnation  and  annihilation.—  Alb.  Spectator 


LIPPINCOTT,  GRAMBO  &  CO.'S  PUBLICATIONS. 

t  Ctngi]  of  $mmta: 

CONSISTING    OF 

ANECDOTES  ILLUSTRATIVE  OF  THE  CHARACTER  OF  MINISTERS  OF  RELI 
GION  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

BY   JOSEPH  BELCHER,   D.  D., 
Editor  of  "The  Complete  Works  of  Andrew  Fuller,"  "Robert  Hall,"  &c. 

41  This  very  interesting  and  instructive  collection  of  pleasing  and  solemn  remembrances  of  many 
pious  men,  illustrates  the  character  of  the  day  in  which  they  lived,  and  demies  the  men  more 
clearly  than  very  elaborate  essays."  — Baltimore  American. 

u  We  regard  the  collection  as  highly  interesting,  and  judiciously  made."—  Presbyterian. 

JOSEPHUS'S  (FLAVIUS)  WORKS, 

FAMILY    EDITION. 
BY  THE  LATE  "WILLIAM  WHISTON,  A.  3VI. 

FROM  THE  LAST  LONDON  EDITION,  COMPLETE. 

One  volume,  beautifully  illustrated  with  Steel  Plates,  and  the  only  readable  edition 
published  in  this  country. 

As  a  matter  of  course,  every  family  in  our  country  has  a  copy  of  the  Holy  Bible ;  and  as  the  pre 
sumption  is  that  the  greater  portion  often  consult  its  pages,  we  take  the  liberty  of  saying  to  all  those 
that  do,  that  the  perusal  of  the  writings  of  Josephus  will  be  found  very  interesting  and  instructive. 

All  those  who  wish  to  possess  a  beautiful  and  correct  copy  of  this  valuable  work,  would  do  well 
to  purchase  this  edition.  It  is  for  sale  at  all  the  principal  bookstores  in  the  United  States,  and  by 
country  merchants  generally  in  the  Southern  and  Western  States. 

Also,  the  above  work  in  two  volumes. 


BURDENS  VILLAGE  SERMONS; 

Or,  101  Plain  and  Short  Discourses  on  the  Principal  Doctrines  of  the  Gospel. 

INTENDED  FOR  THE  USE  OF  FAMILIES,  SUNDAY-SCHOOLS,  OR  COMPANIES  ASSEM 
BLED  FOR  RELIGIOUS  INSTRUCTION  IN  COUNTRY  VILLAGES. 

BY  GEORGE  BURDER. 
To  which  is  added  to  each  Sermon,  a  Short  Prayer,  with  some  General  Prayers  for  Families, 

Schools,  <kc.,  at  the  end  of  the  work. 

COMPLETE    IN    ONE    VOLUME,    OCTAVO. 

These  sermons,  which  are  characterized  by  a  beautiful  simplicity,  the  entire  absence  of  contro 
versy,  and  a  true  evangelical  spirit,  have  gone  through  many  and  large  editions,  and  been  translated 
into  several  of  the  continental  languages.  "  They  have  also  been  the  honoured  means  not  only  of 
converting  many  individuals,  but  also  of  introducing  the  Gospel  into  districts,  and  even  into  parish 
churches,  where  before  it  was  comparatively  unknown." 
"  This  work  fully  deserves  the  immortality  it  has  attained." 

This  is  a  fine  library  edition  of  this  invaluable  work ;  and  when  we  say  that  it  should  be  found  in 
the  possession  of  every  family,  we  only  reiterate  the  sentiments  and  sincere  wishes  of  all  who  take 
a  deep  interest  in  the  eternal  welfare  of  mankind. 

FAMILY  PRAYERS  AND  HYMNS, 

ADAPTED  TO  FAMILY  WORSHIP, 

AND 

TABLES  FOR  THE  REGULAR  READING  OF  THE  SCRIPTURES, 

By  Rev.  S.  C.  WINCHESTER,  A.  M., 

Late  Pastor  of  the  Sixth  Presbyterian  Church,  Philadelphia ;   and  the  Presbyterian  Church  at 
Natchez,  Miss. 

One  volume,    12m o. 
8 


LIPPINCOTT,  GB.AMBO  &  CO.'S  PUBLICATIONS. 

SPLENDID  LIBRARY  EDITIONS. 


ILLUSTRATED  STANDARD  POETS. 

ELEGANTLY    PRINTED,  ON   FINE    PAPER,  AND    UNIFORM    IN    SIZE   AND 

STVLE. 


The  following  Editions  of  Standard  British  Poets  arc  illustrated  with  numerous  Steel 
Engravings,  and  may  bo  had  in  all  varieties  of  binding. 

BYRON'S  WORKS. 

COMPLETE   IN   ONE   VOLUME,    OCTAVO. 

INCLUDING  ALL  HIS  SUPPRESSED  AND  ATTRIBUTED  POEMS ;  WITH  SIX  BEAUTIFUL 

ENGRAVINGS. 

This  edition  has  been  carefully  compared  with  the  recent  London  edition  of  Mr.  Murray,  and 
made  complete  by  the  addition  of  more  than  fifty  pages  of  poems  heretofore  unpublished  in  Eng 
land.  Among  these  there  are  a  number  that  have  never  appeared  in  any  American  edition ;  and 
the  publishers  believe  they  are  warranted  in  saying  that  this  is  the  most  complete  edition  of  Lord 
Byron's  Poetical  Works  ever  published  in  the  United  States. 


-00fork0  of  Mrs. 


Complete  in  one  volume,  octavo  ;  with  seven  beautiful  Engravings. 

This  is  a  new  and  complete  edition,  with  a  splendid  engraved  likeness  of  Mrs.  Hemans,  on  steel, 
and  contains  all  the  Poems  in  the  last  London  and  American  editions.  With  a  Critical  Preface  by 
Mr.  Thatcher,  of  Boston. 

"As  no  work  in  the  English  language  can  be  commended  with  more  confidence,  it  will  argue  bad 
taste  in  a  female  in  this  country  to  be  without  a  complete  edition  of  the  writings  of  one  who  was 
an  honour  to  her  sex  and  to  humanity,  and  whose  productions,  from  first  to  last,  contain  no  syllable 
calculated  to  call  a  blush  to  the  cheek  of  modesty  and  virtue.  There  is,  moreover,  in  Mrs.  Hemans's 
poetry,  a  moral  purity  and  a  religious  feeling  which  commend  it,  in  an  especial  manner,  to  the  dis 
criminating  reader.  No  parent  or  guardian  will  be  under  the  necessity  of  imposing  restrictions 
with  regard  to  the  free  perusal  of  every  production  emanating  from  this  gifted  woman.  There 
breathes  throughout  the  whole  a  most  eminent  exemption  from  impropriety  of  thought  or  diction  ; 
and  there  is  at  times  a  pensiveness  of  tone,  a  winning  sadness  in  her  more  serious  compositions, 
which  tells  of  a  soul  which  has  been  lifted  from  the  contemplation  of  terrestrial  things,  to  divine 
eommunings  with  beings  of  a  purer  world." 

MILTON,  YOUNG,  GRAY,  BEATTIE,  AND  COLLINS'S 
POETICAL  WORKS, 

COMPLETE    IN    ONE    VOLUME,  OCTAVO. 
WITH  SIX  BEAUTIFUL   ENGRAVINGS. 


COMPLETE    IN    ONE    VOLUME,   OCTAVO. 

Including  two  hundred  and  fifty  Letters,  and  sundry  Poems  of  Cowper,  never  before  published  in 

this  country ;  and  of  Thomson  a  new  and  interesting  Memoir,  and  upwards  of  twenty 

new  Poems,  for  the  first  time  printed  from  his  own  Manuscripts,  taken  from 

a  late  Edition  of  the  Aldine  Poets,  now  publishing  in  London. 
WITH   SEVEN  BEAUTIFUL  ENGRAVINGS. 

The  distinguished  Professor  Silliman,  speaking  of  this  edition,  observes :  "I  am  as  much  gratified 
by  the  elegance  and  fine  taste  of  your  edition,  as  by  the  noble  tribute  of  genius  and  moral  excel 
lence  which  these  delightful  authors  have  left  for  all  future  generations  :  and  Cowper,  especially, 
is  not  less  conspicuous  as  a  true  Christian,  moralist  and  teacher,  than  as  a  poet  of  great  power  and 
exquisite  taste." 

9 


LIPPINCOTT,  GRAMBO  &  CO.'S  PUBLICATIONS. 

THE  POETICAL  WORKS  OF  ROGERS,  CAMPBELL,  MONTGOMERY, 
LAMB,  AND  KIRKE  WHITE, 

COMPLETE    IN    ONE   VOLUME,    OCTAVO. 
WITH    SIX    BEAUTIFUL    ENGRAVINGS. 

The  beauty,  correctness,  and  convenience  of  this  favourite  edition  of  these  standard  authors  are 
so  well  known,  that  it  is  scarcely  necessary  to  add  a  word  in  its  favour.  It  is  only  necessary  to  say, 
that  the  publishers  have  now  issued  an  illustrated  edition,  which  greatly  enhances  its  former  value. 
The  engravings  are  excellent  and  well  selected.  It  is  the  best  library  edition  extant. 


CRABBE,  HEBER,  AND  POLLOK'S  POETICAL  WORKS. 

COMPLETE   IN    ONE   VOLUME,  OCTAVO. 
WITH   SIX  BEAUTIFUL   ENGRAVINGS. 

A  writer  in  the  Boston  Traveller  holds  the  following  language  with  reference  to  these  valuable 
editions : — 

"  Mr.  Editor :  —  I  wish,  without  any  idea  of  puffing,  to  say  a  word  or  two  upon  the  '  Library  of 
English  Poets'  that  is  now  published  at  Philadelphia,  by  Lippincott,  Grambo  &  Co.  It  is  certainly, 
taking  into  consideration  the  elegant  manner  in  which  it  is  printed,  and  the  reasonable  price  at 
which  it  is  afforded  to  purchasers,  the  best  edition  of  the  modem  British  Poets  that  has  ever  been 
published  in  this  country.  Each  volume  is  an  octavo  of  about  500  pages,  double  columns,  stereo 
typed,  and  accompanied  with  fine  engravings  and  biographical  sketches ;  and  most  of  them  are 
reprinted  from  Galignani's  French  edition.  As  to  its  value,  we  need  only  mention  that  it  contains 
the  entire  works  of  Montgomery,  Gray,  Beattie,  Collins,  Byron,  Cowper,  Thomson,  Milton,  Young, 
Rogers,  Campbell,  Lamb,  Hemans,  Heber,  Kirke  White,  Crabbe,  the  Miscellaneous  Works  of  Gold 
smith,  and  other  masters  of  the  lyre.  The  publishers  are  doing  a  great  service  by  their  publication, 
and  their  volumes  are  almost  in  as  great  demand  as  the  fashionable  novels  of  the  day ;  and  they 
deserve  to  be  so :  for  they  are  certainly  printed  in  a  style  superior  to  that  in  which  we  have  before 
had  the  works  of  the  English  Poets." 

No  library  can  be  considered  complete  without  a  copy  of  the  above  beautiful  and  cheap  editions 
of  the  English  Poets ;  and  persons  ordering  all  or  any  of  them,  will  please  say  Lippincott,  Grambo 
&  Co.'s  illustrated  editions. 


A    COMPLETE 

Jictionanj  of    nrfiml  dentations: 


COMPRISING  THE  MOST  EXCELLENT  AND  APPROPRIATE  PASSAGES  IN 

THE  OLD  BRITISH  POETS;  WITH  CHOICE  AND  COPIOUS  SELEC 

TIONS  FROM  THE  BEST  MODERN  BRITISH  AND 

AMERICAN  POETS. 

EDITED   BY    SARAH   JOSEPHA   HALE. 
As  nightingales  do  upon  glow-worms  feed, 
So  poets  live  upon  the  living  light 
Of  Nature  and  of  Beauty. 

Bailey's  Festus. 

Beautifully  illustrated  with  Engravings.  In  one  super-royal  octavo  volume,  in  various 

bindings. 

The  publishers  extract,  from  the  many  highly  complimentary  notices  of  the  above  valuable  and 
beautiful  work,  the  following  : 

"  We  have  at  last  a  volume  of  Poetical  Quotations  worthy  of  the  name.  It  contains  nearly  six 
hundred  octavo  pages,  carefully  and  tastefully  selected  from  all  the  home  and  foreign  authors  of 
celebrity  It  is  invaluable  to  a  writer,  while  to  the  ordinary  reader  it  presents  every  subject  at  a 
glance."—  Godey's  Lady's  Book. 

"  The  plan  or  idea  of  Mrs.  Kale's  work  is  felicitous.  It  is  one  for  which  her  fine  taste,  her  orderly 
habits  of  mind,  and  her  long  occupation  with  literature,  has  given  her  peculiar  facilities  ;  and  tho 
roughly  has  she  accomplished  her  task  in  the  work  before  us."  —  Sartam's  Magazine. 

44  It  is  a  choice  collection  of  poetical  extracts  from  everv  English  and  American  author  worth 
perusing,  from  the  days  of  Chaucer  to  the  present  time."  —  "Washington  Union. 

"  There  is  nothing  negative  about  this  work  ;  it  is  positively  good."—  Evening  Bulletin. 

10 


LIPPINCOTT,  GRAMBO  &  CO.'S  PUBLICATIONS. 

THE  DIAMOND  EDITION  OF  BYRON, 
THE  POBBICAL  WORKS  OF  LORD  BYRON, 

WITH   A   SKETCH    OF   HIS   LIFE. 

COMPLETE   IN    ONE   NEAT   DUODECIMO   VOLUME,  WITH    STEEL   PLATES. 

The  type  of  this  edition  is  so  perfect,  and  it  is  printed  with  so  much  care,  on  fine  white  paper, 
that  it  can  be  read  with  as  much  ease  as  most  of  the  larger  editions.  This  work  is  to  be  had  in 
plain  and  superb  binding,  making  a  beautiful  volume  for  a  gift. 

"  The  Poetical  Works  of  Lord  Byron,  complete  in  one  volume  :  published  by  L.,  G.  &  Co.,  Phila 
delphia.  We  hazard  nothing  in  saying  that,  take  it  altogether,  tlus  is  the  most  elegant  work  ever 
issued  from  the  American  press. 

"'In  a  single  volume,  not  larger  than  an  ordinary  duodecimo,  the  publishers  have  embraced  the 
whole  of  Lord  Byron's  Poems,  usually  printed  in  ten  or  twelve  volumes;  and,  what  is  more  remark 
able,  have  done  it  with  a  type  so  clear  and  distinct,  that,  notwithstanding  its  necessarily  small  size, 
it  may  be  read  with  the  utmost  facility,  even  bv  failing  eyes.  The  book  is  stereotyped  ;  and  never 
have  we  seen  a  finer  specimen  of  that  art.  EVery  thing  about  it  is  perfect  — the  paper,  the  print 
ing,  the  binding,  all  correspond  with  each  other ;  and  it  is  embellished  with  two  fine  engravings, 
well  worthy  the  companionship  in  which  they  are  placed. 

"  'This  will  make  a  beautiful  Christmas  present.' 

"  We  extract  the  above  from  Godey's  Lady's  Book.  The  notice  itself,  we  are  given  to  understand, 
is  written  by  Mrs.  Hale. 

"  We  have  to  add  our  commendation  in  favour  of  this  beautiful  volume,  a  copy  of  which  has 
been  sent  us  by  the  publishers.  The  admirers  of  the  noble  bard  will  feel  obliged  to  the  enterprise 
which  has  prompted  the  publishers  to  dare  a  competition  with  the  numerous  editions  of  his  works 
already  in  circulation;  and  we  slmll  be  surprised  if  this  convenient  travelling  edition  does  not  in  a 
great  degree  supersede  the  use  of  the  large  octavo  works,  which  have  little  advantage  in  size  and 
openness  of  type,  and  are  much  inferior  in  the  qualities  of  portability  and  lightness."  —  Intelligencer. 


THE  DIAMOND   EDITION  OF  MOORE. 

(CORRESPONDING  WITH  BYRON.) 

THE  POETICAL  WORKTOP  THOMAS  MOORE, 

COLLECTED  BY  HIMSELF. 

COMPLETE    IN   ONE  VOLUME. 

This  work  is  published  uniform  with  Byron,  from  the  last  London  edition,  and  is  the  most  com 
plete  printed  in  the  country. 

THE  DIAMOND   EDITION  OF  SHAKSPEARE, 

(COMPLETE  IN  ONE  VOLUME,) 
INCLUDING  A.  SKETCH  OF  HIS  LIFE. 

UNIFORM  WITH  BYRON  AND  MOORE. 

THE    ABOVE    WORKS   CAN    BE    HAD   IN    SEVERAL    VARIETIES    OF    BINDING. 

GOLDSMITH'S  ANIMATED  NATURE. 

IN   TWO   VOLUMES,   OCTAVO. 
BEAUTIFULLY  ILLUSTRATED  WITH  385  PLATES. 

CONTAINING  A  HISTORY  OF  THE  EARTH,  ANIMALS,  BIRDS,  AND  FISHES;  FORMING 
THE  MOST  COMPLETE  NATURAL  HISTORY  EVER  PUBLISHED. 

This  is  a  work  that  should  be  in  the  library  of  every  family,  having  been  written  by  one  of  the 
most  talented  authors  in  the  English  language.  •* 

"  Goldsmith  can  never  be  made  obsolete  while  delicate  genius,  exquisite  feeling,  fine  invention, 
the  most  harmonious  metre,  and  the  happiest  diction,  are  at  all  valued." 

BIGLAND'S  NATURAL   HISTORY 

Of  Animals,  Birds,  Fishes,  Reptiles,  and  Insects.    Illustrated  with  numerous  and  beautiful  Engrav 
ings.     By  JOHN  BIGLAND, auflfor  of  a  "  View  of  the  World,"  "Letters  on 
Universal  History,"  &e.    Complete  in  1  vol.,  12mo. 

11 


LIPPINCOTT,  GRAMBO  &  CO.'S  PUBLICATIONS. 

THE  POWER  AND  PROGRESS  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 


THE  UNITED  STATES;  Its  Power  Ad  Progress. 

BY   GUILLAUiVIE    TELL  POUSSIN, 

LATE  MINISTER  OF  THE  REPUBLIC  OF  FRANCE  TO  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

FIRST  AMERICAN,  FROM  THE  THIRD  PARIS  EDITION. 
TRANSLATED  FROM  THE  FRENCH  BY  EDMOND  L.  DU  BARRY,  M.  D., 

SURGEON  U.  S.   NAVY. 

In  one  large  octavo  volume. 


SCHOOLCRAFT'S  GREAT   NATIONAL  WORK  ON  THE  INDIAN  TRIBES  OF 
THE  UNITED  STATES, 

WITH    BEAUTIFUL    AND    ACCURATE    COLOURED    ILLUSTRATIONS. 


HISTOBEOAL  AND  STATISTICAL  INFORMATION 

RESPECTING   THE 

HISTORY,  CONDITION  AND  PROSPECTS 

OF    THE 

itiMan  $ribs  nf  fyt  Eniteh  ItaUs. 

COLLECTED  AND  PREPARED  UNDER  THE  DIRECTION  OF  THE  BUREAU  OF  INDIAN 
AFFAIRS,  PER  ACT  OF  MARCH  3,  1847, 

BIT  HENRY  R.  S  CHOOL  CRAFT,  Z.Z..D. 

ILLUSTRATED  BY  S.  EASTMAN,  CAPT.  U.  S.  A. 
PUBLISHED  BY  AUTHORITY  OF  CONGRESS. 

THE  AMERICAN  GARDENER'S  CALENDAR, 

ADAPTED  TO  THE  CLIMATE  AND  SEASONS  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

Containing  a  complete  account  of  all  the  work  necessary  to  be  done  in  the  Kitchen  Garden,  Fruit 
Garden,  Orchard,  Vineyard,  Nursery,  Pleasure-Ground,  Flower  Garden,  Green-house,  Hot-house, 
and  Forcing  Frames,  for  every  month  in  the  year ;  with  ample  Practical  Directions  for  performing 
the  same. 

Also,  general  as  well  as  minute  instructions  for  laying  out  or  erecting  each  and  every  of  the  above 
departments,  according  to  modern  taste  and  the  most  approved  plans ;  the  Ornamental  Planting  of 
Pleasure  Grounds,  in  the  ancient  and  modern  style ;  the  cultivation  of  Thorn  Quicks,  and  other 
plants  suitable  for  Live  Hedges,  with  the  best  methods  of  making  them,  &.C.  To  which  are  annexed 
catalogues  of  Kitchen  Garden  Plants  and  Herbs;  Aromatic,  Pot,  and  Sweet  Herbs;  Medicinal 
Plants,  and  the  most  important  Grapes,  &c.,  used  in  rural  economy;  with  the  soil  best  adapted  to 
their  cultivation.  Together  with  a  copious  Index  to  the  body  of  the  work. 

BY  BERNARD  M'MAHON. 
Tenth  Edition,  greatly  improved.    In  one  volume,  octavo. 

THE  PORTFOLIO  OF  A  SOUTHERN  MEDICAL  STUDENT, 

BY  GEORGE  M.  WHARf  ON,  M.  D. 

WITH   NUMEROUS    ILLUSTRATIONS    BY   CROOME. 
One   volume,    12mo. 

12 


UPPINCOTT,  6B.AMBO  &  CO.'S  PUBLICATIONS. 

THE  FARMER'S  AND  PLANTER'S  ENCYCLOP/EDIA, 


fijjE  /annrrVnnu"  planter's  dEnnjrlnprcMa  nf  Jxural  Main 

BY  CUTHBERT  W.  JOHNSON. 
*    ADAPTED  TO  THE  UNITED  STATES  BY  GOUVERNEUR  EMERSON, 

Illustrated  by  seventeen  beautiful  Engravings  of  Cattle,  Horses,  Sheep,  the  varieties  of  Wheat, 
Barley,  Oats,  Grasses,  the  Weeds  of  Agriculture.  <fec. ;  besides  numerous  Engrav 
ings  on  wood  of  the  most  important  implements  of  Agriculture,  <fcc. 

This  standard  work  contains  the  latest  and  best  information  upon  all  subjects  connected  with 
farming,  arid  appertaining  to  the  country ;  treating  of  the  great  crops  of  grain,  hay,  cotton,  hemp, 
tobacco,  rice,  sugar,  etc.  <tc. ;  of  horses  and  mules;  of  cattle,  with  minute  particulars  relating  to 
cheese  and  butter-making;  of  fowls,  including  a  description  of  capon-making,  wjt.h  drawings  of  the 
instruments  employed;  of  bees,  and  the  Russian  and  orher  systems  of  managing  bees  and  con 
structing  hives.  Long  articles  on  the  uses  and  preparation  of  bones,  lime,  guano,  and  all  sorts  of 
animal,  mineral,  and  vegetable  substances  employed  as  manures.  Descriptions  of  the  most  approved 
ploughs,  harrows,  threshers,  arid  every  other  agricultural  machine  and  implement;  of  fruit  and 
shade  trees,  forest  trees,  and  shrubs;  of  weeds,  and  all  kinds  of  flies,  and  destructive  worms  and 
insects,  and  the  best  means  offsetting  rid  of  them;  together  with  a  thousand  other  matters  relating 
to  rural  life,  about  which  information  is  so  constantly  desired  by  all  residents  of  the  country. 
IN  ONE  LARGE  OCTAVO  VOLUME. 

MASON'S  FARRIER-FARMERS'  EDITION. 

Price,  62  cents. 


THE  PRACTICAL  FARRIER,  FOR  FARMERS: 

COMPRISING    A.    GENERAL    DESCRIPTION   OF   THE    NOBLE   AND    DSEFUL    ANIMAL, 

THE    HORSE; 

WITH  MODES  OF  MANAGEMENT  IN  ALL  CASES,  AND  TREATMENT  IN  DISEASE. 
TO    WHICH    IS    ADDED, 

A  PRIZE  ESSAY  ON  MULES  j  AND  AN  APPENDIX, 

Containing  Recipes  for  Diseases  of  Horses,  Oxen,  Cows,  Calves,  Sheep,  Dogs,  Swine,  <kc.  <kc. 

BY  RICHARD  INT  AS  ON,  M.  D., 

Formerly  of  Surry  County,  Virginia.  • 

In  one  volume,  12mo.;    bound  in  cloth,   gilt. 

MASON'S  FARRIER  AND  STUD-BOOK-NEW  EDITION, 
THE  GENTLEMAN'S  NEW  POCKET  FARRIER: 

COMPRISING  A  GENERAL  DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  NOBLE  AND  USEFUL  ANIMAL, 

THE    HORSE; 

WITH  MODES  OF  MANAGEMENT  IN  ALL  CASES,  AND  TREATMENT  IN  DISEASE. 

BY  RICHARD  MASON1,  3X1.  D., 

Formerly  of  Surry  County,  Virginia. 

Vo  which  is  added,  A  PRIZE  ESSAY  ON  MULES;  and  AN  APPENDIX,  containing  Recipes  for 

,  Diseases  of  Horses,  Oxen,  Cows,  Calves,  Sheep,  Dogs,  Swine,  <kc.  <kc. ;  with  Annals 

of  the  Turf,  American  Stud-Book,  Rules  for  Training,  Racing,  <kc. 

WITH   A   SUPPLEMENT, 

Comprising  an  Essay  on  Domestic  Animals,  especially  the  Hor--e ;  with  Remarks  on  Treatment  and 

Breeding ;  together  with  Trotting  and  Racing  Tables,  show  ;ng  the  best  time  on  record  at  one, 

two,  three  and  four  mile  heats  ;  Pedigrees  of  Winning  Horses,  since  1839,  and  of  the  most 

celebrated  Stallions  and  Mares;  with  usefwl  Calving  and  Lambing  Tables.    By 

J.  S.  SKINNER,  Editor  now  of  the  Fanner's  Library,  New  York,  &c.  <kc. 

13 


LIPPINCOTT,  GRAMBO  &  CO.'S  PUBLICATIONS. 

HINDS'S  FARRIERY  AND  STUD-BOOK-NEW  EDITION. 
FARIUERY, 

TAUGHT  ON  A  NEW  AND  EASY  PLAN: 

BEING  •*" 

$  €milm  n  fyt  Swum  unfr  5lrritots  nf  tjp 

With  Instructions  to  the  Shoeing  Smith,  Farrier,  and  Groom ;  preceded  by  a  Popular  Description  of 
the  Animal  Functions  in  Health,  and  how  these  are  to  be  restored  when  disordered. 

BY  JOHN    HINDS,  VETERINARY  SURGEON. 

With  considerable  Additions  and  Improvements,  particularly  adapted  to  this  country, 

BY   THOMAS   M.    SMITH, 
Veterinary  Surgeon,  and  Member  of  the  London  Veterinary  Medical  Society. 

WITH  A  SUPPLEMENT,  BY  J.  S.  SKINNER. 

The  publishers  have  received  numerous  flattering  notices  of  the  great  practical  value  of  these 
works.  The  distinguished  editor  of  the  American  Farmer,  speaking  of  them,  observes:— "We 
cannot  too  highly  recommend  these  books,  and  therefore  advise  every  owner  of  a  horse  to  obtain 
them." 

"There  are  receipts  in  those  books  that  show  how  Founder  may  be  cured,  and  the  traveller  pur 
sue  his  journey  the  next  day,  by  giving  a  tabltspoonful  of  alum.  This  was  got  from  Dr.  P.  Thornton, 
of  Montpelier,  Rappahannock  county,  Virginia,  as  founded  on  his  own  observation  in  several  cases." 

"  The  constant  demand  for  Mason's  and  Hinds's  Farrier  has  induced  the  publishers,  Messrs.  Lip- 
pincott,  Grambo  <t  Co.,  to  put  forth  new  editions,  with  a  '  Supplement'  of  100  pages,  by  J.  S.  Skinner, 
Esq.  We  should  have  sought  to  render  an  acceptable  service  to  our  agricultural  readers,  by  giving 
a  chapter  from  the  Supplement,  'On  the  Relations  between  Man  and  the  Domestic  Animals,  espe 
cially  the  Horse,  and  the  Obligations  they  impose  ;'  or  the  one.  on  'The  Form  of  Animals;'  but  that 
either  one  of  them  would  overrun  the  space  here  allotted  to  such  subjects." 

"  Lists  of  Medicines,  and  other  articles  which  ought  to  be  at  hand  about  every  training  and  livery 
stable,  and  every  Farmer's  and  Breeder's  establishment,  will  be  found  in  these  valuable  works." 


TO  CARPENTERS  AND  MECHANICS, 

Just  Published. 


A  NEW  AND  IMPROVED  EDITION  OF 

THE  CARPENTER'S  NEW  GUIDE, 

BEING  A  COMPLETE  BOOK  OF  LINES  FOR 

ARFENTRY  A1TD   JOINERY; 

Treating  fully  on  Practical  Geometry,  Safllt's  Brick  and  Plaster  Groins,  Niches  of  every  description, 

Sky-lights,  Lines  for  Roofs  and  Domes :  with  a  great  variety  of  Designs  for  Roofe, 

Trussed  Girders,  Floors,  Domes,  Bridges,  <kc.,  Angle  Bars  for  Shop 

Fronts,  &c.,  and  Raking  Mouldings. 

AL  SO, 

Additional  Plans  for  various  Stair-Cases,  with  the  Lines  for  producing  the  Face  and  Falling  Moulds/ 
never  before  published,  and  greatly  superior  to  those  given  in  a  former  edition  of  this  work. 

BY   WILLIAM  JOHNSON,   ARCHITECT, 

OF    PHILADELPHIA. 

The  whole  founded  on  true  Geometrical  Principles ;  the  Theory  and  Practice  well  explained  and 
fully  exemplified,  on  eighty-three  copper  plates,  including  some  Observations  and  Calculations  on 
the  Strength  of  Timber. 

BY    PETER     NICHOLSON, 

Author  of  "  The  Carpenter  and  Joi  icr's  Assistant,"  "  The  Student's  Instructor  to  the  Five 
Orders,"  &c. 

Thirteenth  Edition.     One  volume,  4to.,  well  bound. 

u 


LIPPINCOTT,  QRAMBO  &  CO.'S  PUBLICATIONS. 

A  DICTIONARY  OF  SELECT  AND  POPULAR  QUOTATIONS, 

WHICH  ARE  IN  DAILY  USE. 

TAKEN  FROM  THE  LATIN,  FRENCH,  GREEK,  SPANISH  AND  ITALIAN  LANGUAGES. 

Together  with  a  copious  Collection  of  Law  Maxims  and  Law  Terms,  translated  into 

English,  with  Illustrations,  Historical  and  Idiomatic. 

NEW  AMERICAN  EDITION,  CORRECTED,  WITH  ADDITIONS. 
One  volume,    12mo. 

This  volume  comprises  a  copious  collection  of  legal  and  other  terms  which  are  in  common  use, 
with  English  translations  and  historical  illustrations ;  and  we  should  judge  its  author  had  surely 
been  to  a  great  "Feast  of  Languages,"  and  stole  all  the  scraps.  A  work  of  this  character  should 
have  an  extensive  sale,  as  it  entirely  obviates  a  serious  difficulty  in  which  most  readers  are  involved 
by  the  frequent  occurrence  of  Latin,  Greek,  and  French  passages,  which  we  suppose  are  introduced 
by  authors  for  a  mere  show  of  learning— a  difficulty  very  perplexing  to  readers  in  general  This 
"  Dictionary  of  Quotations,"  concerning  which  too  much  cannot  be  said  in  its  favour,  effectually 
removes  the  difficulty,  and  gives  the  reader  an  advantage  over  the  author ;  for  we  believe  a  majority 
are  themselves  ignorant  of  the  meaning  of  the  terms  they  employ.  Very  few  truly  learned  authors 
will  insult  their  readers  by  introducing  Latin  or  French  quotations  in  their  writings,  when  "plain 
English"  will  do  as  well ;  but  we  will  not  enlarge  on  this  point. 

If  the  book  is  useful  to  those  unacquainted  with  other  languages,  it  is  no  less  valuable  to  tho 
classically  educated  as  a  book  of  reference,  and  answers  all  the  purposes  of  a  Lexicon  — indeed,  on 
many  accounts,  it  is  better.  It  saves  the  trouble  of  tumbling  over  the  larger  volumes,  to  which 
every  one,  and  especially  those  engaged  in  the  legal  profession,  are  verv  often  subjected.  It  should 
have  a  place  in  every  library  in  the  country. 

RUSCHENBERGER'S  NATURAL  HISTORY1, 

COMPLETE,    WITH    NEW    GLOSSARY. 

e  CUmnib  of  Uatnrnl  listonj, 

EMBRACING  ZOOLOGY,  BOTANY  AND  GEOLOGY: 

FOR  SCHOOLS,  COLLEGES  AND  FAMILIES. 
BY  W.  S.  W.  RUSCHENBEHGER,  M.  D. 

IN   TWO   VOLUMES. 

WITH  NEARLY  ONE  THOUSAND  ILLUSTRATIONS,  AND  A  COPIOUS   GLOSSARY. 
VoL  I.  contains  Vertebrate  Animals.    Vol.  II.  contains  Jhtervertebrate  Animals,  Botany,  and  Geology. 


A  Beautiful  and  Valuable  Presentation  Book. 
THE    POET'S    OFFERING. 

EDITED  BY  MRS.   HALE. 

With  a  Portrait  of  the  Editress,  a  Splendid  Illuminated  Title-Page,  and  Twelve  Beautiful  Engrav 
ings  by  Sartain.  Bound  in  rich  Turkey  Morocco,  and  Extra  Cloth,  Gilt  Edge. 

To  those  who  wish  to  make  a  present  that  will  never  lose  its  value,  this  will  be  found  the  most 
desirable  Gift-Book  ever  published. 

"  We  commend  it  to  all  who  desire  to  present  a  friend  with  a  volume  not  only  very  beautiful,  but 
of  solid  intrinsic  value."  —  Washington  Union. 

"A  perfect  treasury  of  the  thoughts  and  fancies  of  the  best  English  and  American  Poets.  The 
paper  and  printing  are  beautiful,  and  the  binding  rich,  elegant,  and  substantial;  the  most  sensible 
and  attractive  of  all  the  elegant  gift-books  we  have  seen."  —  Evening  Bulletin. 

"  The  publishers  deserve  the  thanks  of  the  public  for  so  happy  a  thought,  so  well  executed.  The 
engravings  are  by  the  best  artists,  and  the  other  portions  of  the  work  correspond  in  elegance."  — 
Public  Ledger. 

"  There  is  no  book  of  selections  so  diversified  and  appropriate  within  our  knowledge." — Pennsylv'n. 

"  It  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  as  well  as  elegant  books  ever  published  in  this  country."  —  Godeu's 
Lady's  Book. 

"  It  is  the  most  beautiful  and  the  most  useful  offering  ever  bestowed  on  the  public.  No  individual 
of  literary  taste  will  venture  to  be  without  it."—  The  City  Item 

15 


LIPPINCOTT,  GRAMBO  &  CO.'S  PUBLICATIONS.  fc. 

THE  YOUNG  DOMINICAN; 
OR,  THE  MYSTERIES  OF  THE  INQUISITION, 

AM)  OTHER   SECRET  SOCIETIES  OF  SPAIN. 
BY  M.  V.   DE  FEREAL. 

WITH   HISTORICAL   NOTES,  3Y  M,  MANUEL   DE   CUENDIAS, 

TRANSLATED    FROM    THE    FRENCH. 

ILLUSTRATED  WITH  TWENTY  SPLENDID  ENGRAVINGS  BY  FRENCH  ARTISTS 
One  volume,  octavo. 

SAY'S  POLITICAL  ECONOMY. 


A  TREATISE  ON  POLITICAL  ECONOMY; 
Or,  The  Production,  Distribution  and  Consumption  of  Wealth. 

BY   JEAN    BAPTISTS    SAY. 

FIFTH   AMERICAN    EDITION,   WITH   ADDITIONAL   NOTES, 
BY   C.    C.    BIDDLE,    ESQ. 

In  one  volume,  octavo. 

It  would  be  beneficial  to  our  country  if  all  those  who  are  aspiring  to  office,  were  required  by  their 
constituents  to  he  familiar  with  the  pages  of  Say. 

The  distinguished  biographer  of  the  author,  in  noticing  this  work,  observes  :  "Happily  for  science, 
he  commenced  that  study  which  forms  the  basis  of  his  admirable  Treatise  on  Political  Economy  ;  a 
work  which  not  only  improved  under  his  hand  with  every  successive  edition,  but  has  been  translated 
into  most  of  the  European  languages." 

The  Editor  of  the  North  American  Review,  speaking  of  Say,  observes,  that  "  he  is  the  most 
popular,  and  perhaps  the  most  able  writer  on  Political  Economy,  since  the  time  of  Smith." 

LAURENCE  STERNE'S  WORKS, 

WITH  A  LIFE  OF  THE  AUTHOR: 

WRITTEN    BY    HIMSELF. 

WITH  SEVEN  BEAUTIFUL  ILLUSTRATION'S,   ENGRAVED  BY  GILBERT  AND  GIHON, 
FROM  DESIGNS  BY  DARLEY.      , 

One  volume,    octavo;    cloth,    gilt. 

To  commend  or  to  criticise  Sterne's  Works,  in  this  age  of  the  world,  would  be  all  "  wasteful  and 
extravagant  excess."  Uncle  Toby  —  Corporal  Trim  —  the  Widow  —  Le  Fevre  —  Poor  Maria  —  the 
Captive  — even  the  Dead  Ass,  — this  is  all  we  have  to  say  of  Sterne;  and  in  the  memory  of  these 
characters,  histories,  and  sketches,  a  thousand  follies  and  worse  than  follies  are  forgotten.  The 
volume  is  a  very  handsome  one. 

THE  MEXICAN  WAR  AND  ITS  HEROES; 

BEING 

A  COMPLETE  HISTORY  OF  THE  MEXICAN  WAR, 

EMBRACING   ALL   THE   OPERATIONS    UNDER   GENERALS    TAYLOR  AND   SCOTT. 

WITH  A  BIOGRAPHY  OF  THE  OFFICERS. 

ALSO, 

AN  ACCOUNT  OF  THE  CONQUEST  OF  CALIFORNIA  AND  NEW  MEXICO, 

Under  Gen.  Kearny,  Cols.  Doniphan  and  Fremont.    Together  with  Numerous  Anecdotes  of  U*B 

War,  and  Personal  Adventures  of  the  Officers.    Illustrated  with  Accurate 

Portraits,  and  other  Beautiful  Engravings. 

In  one  volume,  12mo, 


LIPPINCOTT,  GRAMBO  &  CO.'S  PUBLICATIONS. 

NEW  AND  COMPUTE  COOK-BOOK. 
THE  PRACTICAL  COOK-BOOK, 

CONTAINING    UPWARDS    OP 

O3STE   THOUSAND   RECEIPTS, 

Consisting  of  Directions  for  Selecting,  Preparing,  aud  Cooking  all  kinds  of  Meats,  Fish,  Poultry,  and 
Game ;  Soups,  Broths,  Vegetables,  and  Salads.    Also,  for  making  all  kinds  of  Plain  and 
Fancy  Breads,  Pastes,  Puddings,  Cakes,  .Creams,  Ices,  Jellies,  Preserves,  Marma 
lades,  &c.  &.c.  <kc.    Together  with  various  Miscellaneous  Recipes, 
and  numerous  Preparations  for  Invalids. 

BY  MRS.   BLISS. 
In   one  volume,    12mo. 

€JIB  (City  jffimjjirat ;  nr;  €\)i 

BY  J.  B.  JONES, 

AUTHOR  OF  "WILD  WESTERN  SCENES,"  "THE  WESTERN  MERCHANT,"  &C. 

ILLUSTRATED  WITH  TEN   ENGRAVINGS. 

In  one  volume,  12mo. 

EL  PUCHERO ;  or,  A  Mixed  Dish  from  Mexico. 

EMBRACING  GENERAL  SCOTT'S  CAMPAIGN,  WITH  SKETCHES  OF  MILITARY  LIFE  IN 
FIELD  AND  CAMP;  OF  THE  CHARACTER  OF  THE  COUNTRY,  MANNERS 

AND  WAYS  OF  THE  PEOPLE,  <tc. 
BY  RICHARD  M 'SHERRY,  M.  D.,  IT.  S.  N., 

LATE  ACTING  SURGEON  OF  REGIMENT  OF  MARINES. 

In  one  volume,  12mo. 
WITH    NUMEROUS    ILLUSTRATIONS. 

"  MONEY-BAGS  AND  TITLES : 

A  HIT  AT  THE  FOLLIES  OF  THE  AGE. 

TRANSLATED  FROM  THE  FRENCH  OF  JULES  SANDEAU. 

BY   LEONARD    MYERS. 

One  volume,  12mo. 

"  'Money-Bags  and  Titles'  is  quite  a  remarkable  work,  amounts  to  a  kindly  exposure  of  the  folly 
of  human  pride,  and  also  presents  at  once  the  evil  and  the  remedy.  If  good-natured  ridicule  of 
the  impostures  practised  by  a  set  of  self-styled  reformers,  who  have  nothing  to  lose,  and  to  whom 
change  must  be  gain  — if,  in  short,  a  delineation  of  the  mistaken  ideas  which  prevent,  and  the 
means  which  conduce  to  happiness,  be  traits  deserving  of  commendation,— the  reader  will  find 
much  to  enlist  his  attention  and  win  his  approbation  in  the  pages  of  this  unpretending,  but  truly 
meritorious  publication." 

WHAT  IS  CHURCH  HISTORY? 

A  VINDICATION  OF  THE  IDEA  OF  HISTORICAL  DEVELOPMENTS, 

BY  PHILIP  SGHAF. 

TRANSLATED    FROM    THE    GERMAN. 
In  one  volume,  12mo. 

17 


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DODD'S  LECTURES. 


DISCOURSES  TO  YOUNG  MEX. 

ILLUSTRATED  BY  NUMEROUS  HIGHLY  INTERESTING  ANECDOTES. 

BY   WILLIAM  DOED,   L!,.  D., 

CHAPLAIN    IN    ORDINARY    TO    HIS    MAJESTY    GEORGE    THE    THIRD. 

FIRST  AMERICAN  EDITION,  WITH  ENGRAVINGS. 

One  volume,  18mo. 

THE  IRIS: 

AN  ORIGINAL  SOUVENIR. 
With  Contributions  from  the  First  Writers  in  the  Country. 

EDITED   BY  PROF.   JOHN   S.   HART. 

With  Splendid  Illuminations  and  Steel  Engravings.    Bound  in  Turkey  Morocco  and  rich  Papier 

Mache  Binding. 

IN    ONE    VOLUME,    OCTAVO. 

•  Its  contents  are  entirely  original.  Among  the  contributors  are  names  well  known  in  the  republic 
of  letters;  such  as  Mr.  Boker,  Mr.  Stoddard,  Prof.  Moffat,  Edith  May,  Mrs.  Sigourney,  Caroline  May, 
Mrs.  Kinney,  Mrs  Butler,  Mrs.  Pease,  Mrs.  Swift,  Mr.  Van  Bibber.  Rev  Charles  T.  Brooks,  Mrs. 
Dorr,  Erastus  W.  Ellsworth,  Miss  E.  W.  Barnes,  Mrs.  Williams,  Mary  Young,  Dr.  Gardette,  Alice 
Carey,  Phebe  Carey,  Augusta  Browne,  Hamilton  Browne,  Caroline  Eustis,  Margaret  Junkin,  Maria 
J.  B.  Browne,  Miss  Starr.  Mrs.  Brotherson,  Kate  Campbell,  <kc. 

(g?m0  from  tlje  |amh  Mine; 

OR,  HOLY  THOUGHTS  UPON  SACRED  SUBJECTS. 

BY  CLERGYMEN  OF  THE  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 

EDITED  BY  THOMAS  WYATT,  A.M. 

In  one  volume,  12mo. 

WITH  SEVEN  BEAUTIFUL  STEEL  ENGRAVINGS. 

The  contents  of  this  work  are  chiefly  by  clergymen  of  the  Episcopal  Church.  Among  the  con 
tributors  will  be  found  the  names  of  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Potter,  Bishop  Hopkins,  Bishop  Smith, 
Bishop  Johns,  and  Bishop  Doane  ;  and  the  Rev.  Drs.  H.  V.  D.  Johns,  Coleman,  and  Butler ;  Rev.  G. 
T.  Bedell,  M'Cabe,  Ogilsby,  <fec. .  The  illustrations  are  rich  and  exquisitely  wrought  engravings  upon 
the  following  subjects: — "Samuel  before  Eli,"  "Peter  and  John  healing  the  Lame  Man,"  "The 
Resurrection  of  Christ,"  "  Joseph  sold  by  his  Brethren,"  "  The  Tables  of  the  Law."  "  Christ's 
Agony  in  the  Garden,"  and  "The  Flight  into  Egypt."  These  subjects,  with  many  others  in  pros* 
and  verse,  are  ably  treated  throughout  the  work. 

HAW-HO-NOO: 

,0R,  THE  RECORDS  OF  A  TOURIST. 

BY  CHARLES  LANMAN, 

Author  of  "  A  Summer  in  the  Wilderness,"  &c.  In  one  volume,  12mo. 
"  In  the  present  book,  'Haw-lw-noo?  (an  Indian  name,  by  the  way,  for  America,)  the  author  has 
gathered  up  some  of  the  relics  of  his  former  tours,  and  added  to  them  other  interesting  matter.  It 
contains  a  number  of  carefully  written  and  instructive  articles  upon  the  various  kinds  offish  in  our 
country,  whose  capture  affords  sport  for  anglers;  reminiscences  of  unique  incidents,  manners,  and 
customs  in  different  parts  of  the  country ;  and  other  articles,  narrative,  descriptive,  and  sentimental. 
In  a  supplement  are  gathered  many  curious  Indian  legends.  They  are  related  with  great  simplicity 
and  clearness,  and  will  be  of  service  hereafter  to  the  poem-makers  of  America.  Many  of  them  are 
quite  beautiful."  —  National  Intelligencer. 

18 


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LONZ   POWEKS:  Or,  The  Regulators. 

A  ROMANCE  OF  KENTUCKY. 

FOUNDED    ON    FACTS. 
BY   JAMES   WEIR,   ESQ. 

IN  TWO  VOLUMES. 

The  scenes,  characters,  and  incidents  in  these  volumes  have  been  copied  from  nature,  and  from 
real  life  They  are  represented  as  taking  place  at  that  period  in  the  history  of  Kentucky,  when 
the  Indian,  driven,  after  many  a  hard-fought  field,  from  his  favourite  hunting-ground,  was  succeeded 
by  a  rude  and  unlettered  population,  interspersed  with  organized  bands  of  desperadoes,  scarcely 
less  savage  than  the  red  men  they  had  displaced.  The  author  possesses  a  vigorous  and  graphic 
pen,  and  has  produced  a  very  interesting  romance,  which  gives  us  a  striking  portrait  of  the  times 
he  describes. 

THE  WESTERN  MERCHANT, 

A  NARRATIVE, 

Containing  useful  Instruction  for  the  Western  Man  of  Business,  who  makes  his  Purchases  in  the 
East.    Also,  Information  for  the  Eastern  Man,  whose  Customers  are  in  the  West. 
Likewise,  Hints  for  those  who  design  emigrating  to  the  West.    De 
duced  from  actual  experience. 

BY  LUKE  SHORTFIELD,  A  WESTERN  MERCHANT. 

One   volume,    12mo. 

This  is  a  new  work,  and  will  be  found  very  interesting  to  the  Country  Merchant,  <tc.  <fec. 
A  sprightly,  pleasant  book,  with  a  vast  amount  of  information  in  a  very  agreeable  shape.  •  Busi 
ness,  Love,  and  Religion  are  all  discussed,  and  many  proper  sentiments  expressed  in  regard  to  each. 
The  "  moral"  of  the  work  is  summed  up  in  the  following  concluding  sentences :  "  Adhere  stead 
fastly  to  your  business ;  adhere  steadfastly  to  your  first  love ;  adhere  steadfastly  to  the  church." 

A  MANUAL  OF  POLITENESS, 

COMPRISING  THE 

PRINCIPLES  OF  ETIQUETTE  AND  RULES  OF  BEHAVIOUR 

IN  GENTEEL  SOCIETY,  FOR  PERSONS  OF  BOTH  SEXES. 

18mo.,  with  Plates. 


Book  of  Politeness. 


THE  GENTLEMAN  AND  LADY'S 
BOOK  OF  POLITENESS  AND  PROPRIETY  OF  DEPORTMEN1 

DEDICATED  TO  THE  YOUTH  OF  BOTH  SEXES. 
BY  MADAME  CELNART. 

Translated  from  the  Sixth  Paris  Edition,  Enlarged  and  Improved 
Fifth    American    Edition. 
One  volume,  18mo. 

THE  ANTEDILUVIANS;  Or,  The  World  Destroyed. 

A  NARRATIVE  POEM,  IN  TEN  BOOKS. 

BY  JAMES  M'HENRY,   M.D. 
,  One  volume,  18mo. 

19 


LIPPINCOTT,  GRAMBO  &  CO.'S  PUBLICATIONS. 

.- 

Bennett's  (Rev.  John)  Letters  to  a  Young  Lady, 

ON  A  VARIETY  OF  SUBJECTS  CALCULATED  TO  IMPROVE  THE  HEART, 
TO  FORM  THE  MANNERS,  AND  ENLIGHTEN  THE  UNDERSTANDING. 

"  That  our  daughters  may  be  as  polished  corners  of  the  temple." 

The  publishers  sincerely  hope  (for  the  happiness  of  mankind)  that  a  copy  of  this  valuable  little 
work  will  be  found  the  companion  of  every  young  lady,  as  much  of  the  happiness  of  every  family 
depends  on  the  proper  cultivation  of  the  female  mind. 

THE  DAUGHTER'S  OWN  BOOK: 

OR,  PRACTICAL  HINTS  FROM  A  FATHER  TO  HIS  DAUGHTER. 

One  volume,  18mo. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  practical  and  truly  valuable  treatises  on  the  culture  and  discipline  of  the 
female  mind,  which  has  hitherto  been  published  in  this  country  ;  and  the  publishers  are  very  confi 
dent,  from  the  great  demand  for  this  invaluable  little  work,  that  ere  long  it  wUl  be  found  in  the 
library  of  every  young  lady. 

THE  AMERICAN  CHESTERFIELD  : 

Or,  "Youth's  Guide  to  the  Way  to  Wealth,  Honour,  and  Distinction/'  k    18mo. 

CONTAINING  ALSO  A  COMPLETE  TEEATISE  ON  THE  ART  OF  CARVING. 

"We  most  cordially  recommend  the  American  Chesterfield  to  general  attention;  but  to  young 
persons  particularly,  as  one  of  the  best  works  of  the  kind  that  has  ever  been  published  in  this 
country.  It  cannot  be  too  highly  appreciated,  nor  its  perusal  be  unproductive  of  satisfaction  and 
usefulness." 

SENECA'S   MORALS. 

BY  WAY  OF  ABSTRACT  TO  WHICH  IS  ADDED,  A  DISCOURSE  UNDER 

THE  TITLE  OF  AN  AFTER-THOUGHT. 
BY    SIR    ROGER    L'ESTRANGE,    KNT. 

A  new,  fine  edition  ;  one  volume,  18mo. 
A  copy  of  this  valuable  little  work  should  be  found  in  every  family  library. 


NEW  SONG-BOOK. 

drigg'0  Inutjjern  nnh  -Kfesttra 


BEING  A  CHOICE  COLLECTION  OF  THE  MOST  FASHIONABLE  SONGS,  MANY  OF  WHICH 
'       ARE  ORIGINAL. 


care  was 
elicate  or  i 


In  one  volume,  18mo. 


Great  care  was  taken,  in  the  selection,  to  admit  no  song  that  contained,  in  the  slightest  degree, 
any  indelicateor  improper  allusions ;  and  with  great  propriety  it  may  claim  the  title  of  "  The  Pai- 
lour  Song-Book,  or  Songster."  The  immortal  Shakspeare  observes  — 


'  The  man  that  hath  not  music  in  himself, 
Nor  is  not  moved  with  concord  of  sweet  sounds, 
Is  fit  for  treasons,  stratagems,  and  spoils." 


ROBOTHAM'S  POCKET  FRENCH  DICTIONARY, 

CAREFULLY   REVISED, 

AND  THE  PRONUNCIATION  OF  ALL  THE  DIFFICULT  WORDS  ADDED. 

20 


LIPPINCOTT,  GRAMBO  &  CO.'S  PUBLICATIONS. 

THE  LIFE  AND  OPINIONS  OF  TRISTRAM  SHANDY,  GENTLEMAN, 

COMPRISING  THE  HUMOROUS  ADVENTURES  OF 

UNCLE  TOBY  AND  CORPORAL   TRIM. 

BY  Zi.  STERNE. 
Beautifully  Illustrated  by  Darley.    Stitched. 


A  SENTIMENTAL  JOURNEY. 

BY  L.    STERNE. 
Illustrated  as  above  toy  Dai-ley.     Stitched. 

The  beauties  of  this  author  are  so  well  known,  and  his  errors  in  style  and  expression  so  few  and 
far  between,  that  one  reads  with  renewed  delight  his  delicate  turns,  &c. 

THE  LIFE  OF  GENERAL  JACKSON, 

WITH  A  LIKENESS  OF  THE  OLD  HERO. 
One  volume,  18mo. 

LIFE   OF    PAUL    JONES. 

In  one  volume,  12mo. 
WITH   ONE    HUNDRED   ILLUSTRATIONS 

BY  JAMES  HAMILTON. 

The  work  is  compiled  from  his  original  journals  and  correspondence,  and  includes  an  account  of 
his  services  in  the  American  Revolution,  and  in  the  war  between  the  Russians  and  Turks  in  the 
Black  Sea,  There  is  scarcely  any  Naval  Hero,  of  any  age,  who  combined  in  his  character  so  much 
of  the  adventurous,  skilful  and  daring,  as  Paul  Jones.  The  incidents  of  his  life  are  almost  as  start 
ling  and  absorbing  as  those  of  romance.  His  achievements  during  the  American  Revolution— the 
fight  between  the  Bon  Homme  Richard  and  Serapis,  the  most  desperate  naval  action  on  record  — 
and  the  alarm  into  which,  with  so  small  a  force,  he  threw  the  coasts  of  England  and  Scotland  — are 
matters  comparatively  well  known  to  Americans ;  but  the  incidents  of  his  subsequent  career  have 
been  veiled  in  obscurity,  which  is  dissipated  by  this  biography.  A  book  like  this,  narrating  the 
actions  of  such  a  man,  ought  to  meet  with  an  extensive  sale,  and  become  as  popular  as  Robinson 
Crusoe  in  fiction,  or  Weems's  Life  of  Marion  and  Washington,  and  similar  books,  in  fact.  It  con 
tains  400  pages,  has  a  handsome  portrait  and  medallion  likeness  of  Jones,  and  is  illustrated  with 
numerous  original  wood  engravings  of  naval  scenes  and  distinguished  men  with  whom  he  was 
familiar. 


THE  GREEK  EXILE; 

Or,  A  Narrative  of  the  Captivity  and  Escape  of  Christophorus  Plato  Castanis, 

DURING   THE    MASSACRE   ON   THE   ISLAND    OF    SCIO   BY   THE   TURKS. 
TOGETHER  WITH  VARIOUS  ADVENTURES  IN  GREECE  AND  AMERICA, 

WRITTEN   BY   HIMSELF, 

Author  of  an  Essay  on  the  Ancient  and  Modern  Greek  Languages ;  Interpretation  of  tne  Attributes 
of  the  Principal  Fabulous  Deities  ;  The  Jewish  Maiden  of  Scio's  Citadel ;  anJ 
the  Greek  Boy  in  the  Sunday-School.  J^L 

One  volume,  12rno. 

THE  YOUNG  CHORISTER; 

A.  Collection  of  New  and  Beautiful  Tunes,  adapted  to  the  use  of  Sabbath-Schools,  from  some  of  the 
most  distinguished  composers  ;  together  with  many  of  the  author's  compositions. 

EDITED  BY  MINARD  W.  WILSON. 
21 


LIPPINCOTT,  GRAMBO  &  CO.'S  PUBLICATIONS. 

CAMP  LIFE  OF  A  VOLUNTEER, 

A  Campaign  in  Mexico;  Or,  A  Glimpse  at  Life  in  Camp. 

BY  "ONE  WHO  HAS  SEEN  THE  ELEPHANT." 


lift  of  dnural  ,5ar  jjarq 


COMPRISING   A   NARRATIVE   OF   EVENTS  CONNECTED    WITH    HIS   PROFESSIONAL 
CAREER,  AND  AUTHENTIC  INCIDENTS  OF  HIS  EARLY  YEARS. 

BY  J.   REESE  FRY  AND  R.   T.  CONRAD. 

With  an  original  and  accurate  Portrait,  and  eleven  elegant  Illustrations,  by  Barley. 
In  one  handsome  12mo.  volume. 

"It  is  by  far  the  fullest  and  most  interesting  biography  of  General  Taylor  that  we  have  ever  seen." 
—Richmond  (  Wlwj)  Cknmicle. 

"On  the  whole,  we  are  satisfied  that  this  volume  is  the  most  correct  and  comprehensive  one  yet 
published."  —  Hunt's  Merchants'  Mayazine. 

"The  superiority  of  this  edition  over  the  ephemeral  publications  of  the  day  consists  in  fuller  and 
more  authentic  accounts  of  his  family,  his  early  life,  and  Indian  wars.  The  narrative  of  his  pro 
ceedings  in  Mexico  is  drawn  partly  from  reliable  private  letters,  but  chiefly  from  his  own  official 
correspondence." 

''It  forms  a  cheap,  substantial,  and  attractive  volume,  and  one  which  should  be  read  at  the  fire 
side  of  every  family  who  desire  a  faithful  and  true  life  of  the  Old  General." 

GENERAL  TAYLOE  AND  HIS  STAFF: 

Comprising  Memoirs  of  Generals  Taylor,  Worth,  Wool,  and  Butler;  Cols.  May,  Cross,  Clay,  Hardin, 

Yell>  Hays,  and  other  distinguished  Officers  attached  to  General  Taylor's 

Army.    Interspersed  with 

NUMEROUS  ANECDOTES   OF  THE  MEXICAN   WAR, 

and  Personal  Adventures  of  the  Officers.    Compiled  from  Public  Documents  and  Private  Corre 
spondence.    With 

ACCURATE  PORTRAITS,  AND  OTHER  BEAUTIFUL  ILLUSTRATIONS. 
In  one  volume,  12mo. 


GENERAL  SCOTT  AND  HIS  STAFF  I 

Comprising  Memoirs  of  Generals  Scott,  Twiggs,  Smith,  Quitman,  Shields,  Pillow,  Lane,  Cadwalader, 

Patterson,  and  Pierce;  Cols.  Childs,  Riley,  Harney,  and  Butler;  and  other 

distinguished  officers  attached  to  General  Scott's  Army. 

TOGETHER    WITH 

Notices  of  General  Kearny,  Col.  Doniphan,  Col.  Fremont,  and  other  officers  distinguished  in  the 
Conquest  of  California  and  New  Mexico  ;  and  Personal  Adventures  of  the  Officers.    Com 
piled  from  Public  Documents  and  Private  Correspondence.     With 

ACCURATE   PORTRAITS,  AND  OTHER    BEAUTIFUL    ILLUSTRATIONS. 
In  one  volume,  12mo. 


FAMILY  DENTIST, 

INCLUDING  THE  SURGICAL,  MEDICAL  AND  MECHANICAL  TREATMENT 

OF  THE  TEETH. 
Illustrated  \vlth   thirty-one   Engravings* 

By  CHARLES  A.  DU  EOUGHET,  M.  D.,  Dental  Surgeon. 
In  one  volume,  18mo. 

22 


LIPPINCOTT,  CRAMBO  &  CO.'S  PUBLICATIONS. 

MECHANICS  FOR  THE  MILLWRIGHT,  ENGINEER  AND  MACHINIST, 
CIVIL  ENGINEER,  AND  ARCHITECT: 

CONTAINING 

THE  PRINCIPLES  OF  MECHANICS  APPLIED  TO  MACHINERY 

Of  American  models,  Steam-Engines,  Water- Works,  Navigation,  Bridge-building,  &c.  Ac.    Ry 

FREDERICK  OVERMAN, 
Author  of  "The  Manufacture  of  Iron,"  and  other  scientific  treatises. 

Illustrated  by  150  Engravings.     In  one  large  12mo.  volume. 

WILLIAMS'S  TRAVELLER'S  AND  TOURIST'S  GUIDE 

Through  the  United  States,  Canada,  &c. 

This  book  will  be  found  replete  with  information,  not  only  to  the  traveller,  but  likewise  to  the 
man  of  business.  In  its  preparation,  an  entirely  new  plan  has  been  adopted,  which,  we  are  con 
vinced,  needs  only  a  trial  to  be  fully  appreciated. 

Among  its  many  valuable  features,  are  tables  showing  at  a  glance  the  distance,  fare,  and  time 
occupied  in  travelling  from  the  principal  cities  to  the  most  important  places  in  the  Union  ;  so  that 
the  question  frequently  asked,  without  obtaining  a  satisfactory  reply,  is  here  answered  in  full. 
Other  tables  show  the  distances  from  New  York,  Ac.,  to  domestic  and  foreign  ports,  by  sea;  and 
also,  by  way  of  comparison,  from  New  York  and  Liverpool  to  the  principal  ports  beyond  and  around 
Cape  Horn,  <fec.,  as  well  as  via  the  Isthmus  of  Panama.  Accompanied  by  a  large  and  accurate  Map 
of  the  United  States,  including  a  separate  Map  of  California,  Oregon,  New  Mexico  and  Utah.  Also, 
a  Map  of  the  Island  of  Cuba,  and  Plan  of  the  City  and  Harbor  of  Havana ;  and  a  Map  of  Niagara 
River  and  Falls.  • 

THE  LEGISLATIVE  GUIDE: 

Containing  directions  for  conducting  business  in  the  House  of  Representatives ;  the  Senate  of  the 
United  States;  the  Joint  Rules  of  both  Houses  ;  a  Synopsis  of  Jefferson's  Manual,  and  copious 
Indices;  together  with  a  concise  system  of  Rules  of  Order,  based  on  the  regulations  of  the 
U.  S.  Congress.    Designed  to  economise  time,  secure  uniformity  and  despatch  in  con 
ducting  business  in  all  secular  meetings,  and  also  in  all  religious,  political,  and 
Legislative  Assemblies. 

BY  JOSEPH  BARTLETT  BURLEIG-H,  LL.  D. 
In  one  volume,  12mo. 

This  is  considered  by  our  Judges  and  Congressmen  as  decidedly  the  best  work  of  the  kind  extant. 
Every  young  man  in  the  country  should  have  a  copy  of  this  book. 

THE  INITIALS;  A  Story  of  Modern  Life. 

THREE  VOLUMES  OF  THE  LONDON  EDITION  COMPLETE  IN  ONE  VOLUME  12MO. 
A  new  novel,  equal  to  "  Jane  Eyre." 

WILD  WESTERN  SCENES! 

A  NARRATIVE  OF  ADVENTURES  IN  THE  WESTERN  WILDERNESS. 

Wherein  the  Exploits  of  Daniel  Boone,  the  Great  American  Pioneer,  are  particularly  described 

Also,  Minute  Accounts  of  Bear.  Deer,  and  Buffalo  Hunts  — Desperate  Conflicts  with  the 

Savages— Fishing  and  Fowling  Adventures  —  Encounters  with  Serpents,  <kc. 

By  LUKE  SHORTFIELD,  Author  of  "  The  Western  Merchant." 

BEAUTIFULLY  ILLUSTRATED.    One  volume,  12mo. 

POEMS  OF  THE  PLEASURES: 

Consisting  of  the  PLEASURES  QF  IMAGINATION,  by  Akenside;  the  PLEASURES  OF  MEMORY 

hy  Samuel  Rogers;  the  PLEASURES  OF  HOPE,  by  Campbell ;  and  the  PLEASURES  OF 

FRIENDSHIP,  by  M'Hcnry.    With  a  Memoir  of  each  Author,  prepared  expressly 

for  this  work.     18ino. 

23 


LIPPINCOTT,  GRAMBO  &  CO.'S  PUBLICATIONS. 

CALIFORNIA  AND  OREGON; 
Or,  Sights  in  the  Gold  Region,  and  Scenes  by  the  Way. 

BY  THEODORE  T.  JOHNSON. 
With  a  Map  and  Illustrations.     Third  Edition. 

With  AN  APPENDIX,  containing  Full  Instructions  to  Emigrants  by  the  Overland  Route  to  Oregon. 
By  Hon.  SAMUEL  R.  THURSTON,  Delegate  to  Congress  from  that  Territory. 

VALUABLE  STANDARD  MEDICAL  BOOKS. 
DISPENSATORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

BY  DRS.  WOOD  AND  BACHE. 
New  Edition,  much  enlarged  and  carefully  revised.    One  volume,  royal  octavo. 


A  TREATISE  ON  THE  PRACTICE  OF  MEDICINE, 

BY  GEORGE  B.  WOOD,  M.  D., 
One  of  the  Authors  of  the  "  Dispensatory  of  the  U.  S.,"  <tc.    New  edition,  improved.    2  vols.  8vo. 

AN  ILLUSTRATED  SYSTEM  OF  HUMAN  ANATOMY; 

SPECIAL,  MICROSCOPIC,  AND  PHYSIOLOGICAL. 

BY  SAMUEL  GEORGE  MORTON,  M.  D. 
With  891  beautiful  Illustrations.     One  volume,  royal  octavo. 

MATERIA  MEDICA  AND  THERAPEUTICS, 

With  ample  Illustrations  of  Practice  in  all  the  Departments  of  Medical  Science,  and  copious  No 
tices  of  Toxicology. 

BY   THOMAS  D.  ESITCHELL,  A.M.,  M.D., 

Prof,  of  the  Theory  and  Practice  of  Medicine  in  the  Philadelphia  College  of  Medicine,  6x.  I  vol.  8vo. 


THE  THEORY  AND  PRACTICE  OF  SURGERY, 

By  GEORGE  M'CLELLAN,  M.  D.     1  vol.  8vo. 

EBERLE'S  PRACTICE  OF  MEDICINE. 

New  Edition.    Improved  by  GEORGE  M'CLELLAN,  M.  D.    Two  volumes  in  1  vol.  8vo. 

EBERLE'S  THERAPEUTICS. 

TWO  VOLUMES  IN  ONE. 

A  TREATISE  ON  THE  DISEASES  AND  PHYSICAL  EDUCATION  OF  CHILDREN, 

By  JOHN  EBERLE,  M.  D.,  &c.    Fourth  Edition.    With  Notes  and  very  large  Additions, 

By  THOMAS  D.  MITCHELL,  A.  M.,  M.  D.,  &c.     1  vol.  8vo. 
EBERLE'S  NOTES  FOR  STUDENTS-NEW  EDITION, 

*»*  These  works  are  used  as  text-books  in  most  of  the  Medical  Schools  in  the  United  States. 

A  PRACTICAL  TREATISE  ON  POISONS: 

Their  Symptoms,  Antidotes,  and  Treatment.  By  0.  H.  Costill,  M.  D.  18mo. 
IDENTITIES  OF  LIGHT  AND  HEAT,  OF  CALORIC  AND  ELECTRICITY,  ' 

BY  C.  CAMPBELL  COOPER. 


UNITED  STATES'  PHARMACOPEIA, 

Edition  of  1831.    Published  by  authority  of  the  National  Medical  Convention.    1  roL  Sro 

24 


